The Effect of Environmental Degradation on Health Status: Do Institutions Matter?

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between environmental degradation, health, and institutional quality in 17 Middle East and North African (MENA) countries. We use a panel cointegration analysis to determine the long-run relationship over the period 1996-2018, using both FMOLS and DOLS methods. Our results suggest that environmental degradation affects negatively the health status in the long run in MENA countries. However, the effect of environmental degradation on health can be ameliorated through the presence of good institutional quality. Therefore, policymakers in MENA countries should enhance the role of good governance in order to ensure the successful implementation of environmental laws.

Automated summary

The study found that environmental degradation has a negative impact on the health status in MENA countries in the long run, but this impact can be mitigated by good institutional quality. Therefore, policymakers should strengthen governance to ensure the effective implementation of environmental laws.