Abstract
The principles of sustainable development consist of economic, societal, and environmental considerations. Economic systems and social structures shape social impacts on health, which are embedded in the broader environment and affect the distribution of energy resources worldwide. Under the consideration of natural resources, population growth, and industrial development, this paper explores the impact of sustainable energy policy and socio-economic development on the ecological footprint in China from 1990 to 2019. Results explain that natural net financial accounts, natural resources, and economic growth are positively associated with the ecological footprint. Environmental sustainability is a long-term result of socio-economic development.
•Checked environmental effects and socio-economic sustainability.•The environment benefits from socio-economic development and renewable energy.•Environmental sustainability is a long-term result of socio-economic development.•Natural resources and population growth increase ecological footprint.•Ecological footprint decreases with socioeconomic development.