Effects of population structure on CO2 emissions in South Asian countries: evidence from panel estimation

The rapidly changing population structure in South Asian countries is observed to be linked with growing social, economic, and environmental problems. Therefore, to enhance current wave of knowledge, this research investigated the effect of population structure on CO2 emissions in some selected South Asian countries (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal) over the period of 1990-2016. The results showed that age structure is associated with CO2 emissions in the long run in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. In addition, age structure drives more CO2 emissions in India than in any other countries. People with age less than 15 years and people with age more than 65 years are responsible for increasing CO2 emissions in India. On the other hand, in Pakistan, people of age less than 15 years are responsible for reduction of CO2 emissions in the long run. In Nepal, age group of young people (less than 15 years) exerts negative effects on CO2 emissions. The governments of these countries need to put serious attention toward age structure in order to improve air quality.

Automated summary

The changing population structure in South Asian countries is linked to growing social, economic, and environmental problems, with age structure found to have an impact on CO2 emissions. India has been identified as having a stronger association between age structure and CO2 emissions compared to other South Asian countries, particularly with individuals under 15 years and over 65 years being responsible for increased emissions. Governments in these countries need to prioritize age structure in order to improve air quality.