Energy factors affecting environmental pollution for sustainable development goals: The case of India

This study investigates the nexus between electricity consumption, fossil fuel dependency, renewable energy adoption, population growth, trade activities, economic growth, and environmental pollution in India. The primary objective is to understand how these factors interrelate and influence each other, focusing on their implications for sustainable development. The study used data from the World Bank from 2000 to 2023; the methodology adopted includes vector autoregression modeling, Granger causality tests, cointegration analysis, impulse response functions, and variance decomposition. These econometric techniques were selected due to their ability to capture dynamic relationships, determine causality, and identify long-term equilibrium among the variables. The findings reveal that economic growth significantly increases electricity consumption and fossil fuel usage, leading to higher carbon dioxide emissions. On the other hand, renewable energy adoption reduces environmental pollution. The study also highlights the complex interplay between population growth, urbanization, and trade activities in shaping India's energy demand and environmental outcomes. The implications of these findings are critical for India's sustainable development. The results suggest that while economic growth is essential, it must be balanced with sustainable energy practices to mitigate environmental pollution. The findings emphasize the need for policy interventions that promote renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, and enforce environmental regulations. Recommendations include accelerating renewable energy adoption, implementing stringent energy efficiency standards, and developing integrated policies that simultaneously address the economic, energy, and environmental dimensions. These actions will help India achieve a sustainable balance between economic growth and environmental protection, ensuring a healthier future for its population. Graphical abstract Factors Affecting Environmental Pollution for Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of IndiaDescription:The graphical abstract visualizes the interconnected relationships among the key variables: electricity consumption (ECO), fossil fuel usage (FFU), renewable energy consumption (REC), population (POP), imports (IMP), exports (EXP), gross domestic product (GDP), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India.