Impact of environmental pollution on human health and financial status of households in MENA countries: Future of using renewable energy to eliminate the environmental pollution

This research aims to scrutinize the role of renewable energy and environmental pollution on health and the income status of the household in the Middle East and North African (MENA) economies. The study utilizes panel data from 2000 to 2019 taken from 20 MENA countries. The study employs Pooled Mean Group (PMG) regression to analyze the data. The findings show that renewable energy significantly improves health of individuals and reduces environmental pollution. The results further indicate that a high concentration of PM2.5 in the atmosphere increases health issues and negatively influences households' incomes in the economies under consideration. Moreover, the utilization of renewable energy is essential for a better environment and good health. The influential environmental policies and transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy in MENA countries will reduce environmental pollution and ensure better life quality for MENA residents and other species. Finally, the study also points out that the promotion of renewable energy is the only way out for MENA economies for effective control on the environment-led health issues.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.