The synergistic role of natural resources, low carbon energy and technological innovation in promoting environmental sustainability: the evidence of BRICS economies

Environmental sustainability has increasingly become more important in the World, with all nations seeking to come together to find vigorous ways to alleviate the deterioration of the environment. Studies that seek to provide policies on promoting environmental sustainability are available, but a dearth remains on how low-carbon energies can be employed to lower damage to the environment, especially in the BRICS countries, yet these countries are among the top emitting countries. Moreover, there is need for clarity on the role of natural resources and technology in achieving environmental sustainability. This study furthers the literature body by using the data of the BRICS nations for the period 2000 to 2022 and uses the 'Method of Moments Quantile Regression' technique for data analysis. Major findings presented depicts that low-carbon energy, institutional quality and natural resources rents improve the ecology; hence, advances environmental sustainability. Low-carbon energy presents symmetric positive effects in all quantiles, while institutional quality and natural resources rents present asymmetric effects. Technological innovations and economic growth reduces the Load Capacity Factor. Economic growth presents symmetric negative effects, while technological innovations presents asymmetric effects. Therefore, the BRICS countries and other nations with serious ecological problems should invest in low-carbon energy and utilize them for economic development in order to improve ES. The Government can support the achievement of a cleaner environment through adopting vigorous policies; hence, overcome the resource curse and achieve technological advancements on clean technologies and clean energies.