Assessing the link between energy intensity, renewable energy, economic growth, and carbon dioxide emissions: Evidence from Turkey

Abstract

Turkey occupies a significant position in the global economy and plans to achieve net‐zero emissions by 2053. Thus, this study uses the non–linear ARDL (NARDL) framework to analyze the effect of energy intensity (EINT), renewable energy (REN), and economic growth (GDP) on CO₂ in Turkey from 1970 to 2021. The results are as follows: (i) The variables have a long‐term link; (ii) Over the long‐term, a positive (negative) change in EINT increases (decreases) CO₂; a positive (negative) change in REN decreases (increases) CO₂; and a positive (negative) change in GDP increases (decreases) CO₂. (iii) In the short‐run, an EINT and GDP negative change decreases CO₂. In light of these findings, Turkish policymakers should set energy efficiency standards and support clean energy initiatives, which are some of the practical ways of lowering CO₂ and addressing other climate challenges.