Section Article

TESTING THE ENVIRONMENTAL KUZNETS CURVE: INVESTIGATING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POLLUTION IN A DIVERSE SET OF COUNTRIES
Author(s): Dr. Laxmi Verma

Abstract
The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis postulates a nonlinear relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation suggesting that pollution levels initially rise with economic development but eventually decline as nations achieve higher income levels and adopt cleaner technologies. This study examines the validity of the EKC across a diverse set of countries utilizing post-2021 empirical data on carbon dioxide emissions particulate matter industrial effluents and economic indicators such as GDP per capita industrial output and urbanization rates. The research investigates whether economic growth leads to environmental improvements in developed countries while potentially exacerbating pollution in emerging economies. Advanced econometric techniques including panel data regression fixed-effects modeling and non-linear estimation are employed to analyze the dynamic relationship between economic development and environmental quality. The study also explores the role of technological innovation policy interventions renewable energy adoption and international environmental agreements in shaping the observed patterns. Findings indicate significant heterogeneity in EKC trajectories across countries influenced by institutional quality industrial composition and environmental governance. The research contributes to understanding post-2021 environmental-economic interactions and provides policy recommendations for sustainable economic growth while mitigating pollution. This study highlights the need for integrated strategies encompassing economic planning technological innovation regulatory enforcement and public awareness to achieve sustainable development objectives globally.