Examining the ecological effects of energy transition, environmental technology, and structural change in BRICS economies: Implications for sustainable development

This study examines the ecological impacts of energy transition (fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy), environmental technology, structural change, and urbanization in BRICS from 1996 to 2019 while relying on second-generation estimators. The key findings uncover fossil fuels and urbanization as deterrents to BRICS' drive for sustainable environment through their carbon-inducing effects. Besides, nuclear energy, renewable energy, environmental technology, and structural change provide the needed support to enhance the sustainability of the environment by mitigating CO2 emissions. The empirical regularity of the main estimators is supported by the outcomes of MMQR across the low, middle, and upper quantiles. Besides, the direction of causality among the variables reveals unidirectional, bidirectional, and no causal nexus. On the policy front, the study recommends substantially reducing fossil fuel subsidies while investing in nuclear and renewable energy as viable action plans for enhancing the sustainability of the BRICS' environment.