Abstract
The study examines the role of natural resources in improving environmental quality in South Asia. This research focuses primarily on the energy-environmental nexus, ignoring this important region regarding environmental quality proxies and estimation approaches. As a result, the study adopts a unique approach, examining the above mentioned effects using advanced panel data estimation methods for the period 1990–2018. The findings showed that natural resource abundance is positive, indicating its role in increasing environmental degradation in these countries. Moreover, using renewable energy negatively influences the ecological footprint, meaning that it can help reduce environmental degradation in South Asia. Furthermore, the environmental deterioration in South Asia is significantly affected by growth and population, indicating that these countries pursue economic development at the price of rising emissions that harm the environment. Overall, this research suggests that while natural resources, growing population, and economic growth both positively impact environmental quality, using renewable energy sources improves it over time. As a result, these countries need to rethink their plans and create a framework supporting long-term economic development and environmental protection.
•A long-run association exists between EF, NR, RE, GDP, and POP.•The Environmental Kuznets Curve supported that economic growth is positively related to environmental deterioration.•Economic expansion and population contribute to environmental degradation in South Asian countries.