Nexus between government stability and environmental pollution

Abstract

Previous literature has been aimed at evaluating the economic factors that determine pollution, omitting the role of governments. This research aims to evaluate the impact of government stability on environmental pollution index in 96 countries worldwide. This relationship is moderated by globalization, knowledge, and economic progress between 1990 and 2019. Unlike previous research, we classify countries following a convergence criterion and propose environmental mitigation policy lessons for each convergent club. Specifically, we use convergence models, second-generation cointegration techniques, quantile regressions, and panel data causality techniques. The results show that government stability and knowledge are the fundamental pillars to mitigate environmental deterioration. Globalization and economic progress have heterogeneous impacts on environmental sustainability. Policymakers should promote long-term government stability as a novel environmental mitigation strategy. Likewise, government stability and knowledge can be used to promote Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 13.