Does information and communication technology affect CO2 mitigation under the pathway of sustainable development during the mode of globalization?

Abstract

The rapid developments of globalization promote interaction among countries and people around the globe through the fast mode of information and telecommunication technology (ICT). ICT development also contributes to economic growth through various channels, but it may influence the environment on the other hand. Considering this concern, the present study focuses on examining the relationship between ICT developments and carbon emissions through the globalization channel. The study employs robust panel data estimation methods, continuously updated fully modified, and continuously updated bias corrected estimators, for the data set of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) economies spanning from 1990 to 2015. Findings of the study are robust against heteroskedasticity, endogeneity, and cross‐sectional dependence issues. The robust panel data estimators reveal that ICT has a favourable effect on carbon emissions in BRICS countries. Also, globalization leads to environmental pollution by contributing to an increase in CO 2 emissions. These findings provide new insights to the policymakers in combatting environmental challenges.