Analyzing the Influence of Energy Consumption and Economic Complexity on Carbon Emissions: Evidence from Malaysia

Rafia Afroz, Hind Alofaysan, Masahina Sarabdeen (), M. D. Muhibbullah and Yahuza Baba Muhammad
Additional contact information
Rafia Afroz: Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 53100, Malaysia
Hind Alofaysan: Department of Economics, College of Business Administration, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
Masahina Sarabdeen: Department of Economics, College of Business Administration, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
M. D. Muhibbullah: Polytechnic Institute of Australia, 33 Castlereagh Street, Sydney 2000, Australia
Yahuza Baba Muhammad: Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 53100, Malaysia

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-17

Abstract: Due to increasing energy consumption, there has been a significant expansion in worldwide trade, leading to the emergence of severe environmental issues. This situation is further compounded by the non-negotiable requirement to simultaneously mitigate environmental degradation and achieve economic progress. To ensure a healthier future, it is imperative to identify and address the factors that contribute to environmental contamination. The purpose of this study is to examine how Malaysia’s carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions are affected by energy consumption, economic growth, and the economic complexity index (ECI). Time series data from 1997 to 2020 are used in this study, along with the autoregressive distributed lag model. The environmental Kuznets curve theory holds true in Malaysia, according to the study’s findings, and energy use has a negative impact on CO 2 emissions. There is also evidence suggesting that a higher ECI is linked with increased levels of CO 2 emissions over a prolonged period. Malaysia’s main export, electrical and electronic goods, generates substantial CO 2 emissions during the manufacturing process. The outcomes of this research have important ramifications for environmental strategies concerning the mitigation of CO 2 emissions. The electrical and electronics industries can implement energy-efficient technologies and practices in manufacturing processes. This would include upgrading to more efficient machinery, optimizing production schedules, and reducing idle times. It is also crucial to work with governments and industry bodies to advocate for policies that support sustainable manufacturing practices.

Keywords: economic complexity; energy use; carbon emissions; environmental kuznets curve (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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