Drivers of Carbon Emissions in South Asia: Analyzing Economic Growth, Urbanization, Tourism, Industrialization, and Renewable Energy

Abstract

Rising CO₂ emissions pose a global challenge, including in South Asia. This study examines the determinants of CO₂ emissions—economic growth, urbanization, tourism, industrialization, renewable energy, agriculture, and forest area—using panel data (1990–2021) from South Asian countries. Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) and panel unit root tests reveal long-run relationships. Urbanization, tourism, and agricultural value-added significantly increase CO₂ emissions, while economic growth, renewable energy, and forest area negatively correlate with emissions. The findings suggest that energy-intensive urbanization, tourism, and agricultural expansion drive emissions, whereas renewable energy adoption and forest conservation mitigate them. Policymakers must prioritize sustainable urbanization, green tourism, and renewable energy transitions to curb emissions while fostering economic development.