A Perspective on Energy Consumption Balance: Quality of Life, Governance, and Carbon Emissions in APEC

Abstract

We estimate the impacts of energy-led growth, quality of life, and institutional factors on carbon emission intensity. Utilizing a balanced panel of 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies, we show that energy-led growth contributes heavily toward emissions. We also demonstrate that improved transparency help decimate pollution significantly. However, we find that improved human development and employment exert a direct influence on pollution, thus isolating the impacts of growth in the long run. These findings typically demonstrate unsustainable development in the region, thus requiring a complete revamping of the policy framework.