Relationship between Industrialization and Environmental pollution in Tajikistan

Abstract

Environmental pollution is a serious issue in the majority of countries due to industrial activities. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between industrialization and environmental pollution in Tajikistan. Explanatory variables employed included population growth, urbanization, economic growth (GDP), GDP per capita, and energy consumption. Environmental pollution was treated as the explained variable, and the study applied the Theory of Environmentally Responsible Behavior, Reasoned/Responsible Action theory, and the Environmental Citizenship Model of Human Interaction with the Environment, forming the theoretical framework for this research. A correlational research methodology was employed in this study. The results of the econometric tests revealed the following: Industrial output (resulting from industrial activities), population growth, urbanization, economic growth (GDP), and energy consumption have a positive and significant impact on the emission of greenhouse gases (environmental pollution) in Tajikistan. Conversely, GDP per capita has a negative impact on the emission of greenhouse gases (environmental pollution) in Tajikistan. Furthermore, there exists a bidirectional causality between all variables and environmental pollution (greenhouse gas emission), with the exception of GDP per capita. Based on the findings, the analysis concluded that a long-term association exists between industrialization, the alternative variables, and environmental pollution, except for GDP per capita. The study also presented several recommendations on how to promote industrial symbiosis (IS).