Quality of Life and Environmental Degradation: An Empirical Assessment of Their Interactions and Determinants in Latin America and the Caribbean

Ximena Morales-Urrutia (), Romina Yépez-Villacis, Alex Mantilla Miranda, Rubén Nogales-Portero and Elsy Álvarez
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Ximena Morales-Urrutia: Facultad de Contabilidad y Auditoría, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180206, Ecuador
Romina Yépez-Villacis: Facultad de Contabilidad y Auditoría, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180206, Ecuador
Alex Mantilla Miranda: Facultad de Administración de Empresas, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur km 1 1/2, Riobamba 060155, Ecuador
Rubén Nogales-Portero: Facultad de Ingeniería de Sistemas, Electrónica e Industrial, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180206, Ecuador
Elsy Álvarez: Facultad de Contabilidad y Auditoría, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180206, Ecuador

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-13

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between quality of life and environmental degradation in Latin America and the Caribbean by analyzing data from 24 countries over the period 2007–2020 from a multidimensional perspective that integrates economic, social, and ecological dimensions. Employing a quantitative methodological approach based on panel data models and robust econometric tests, the research yields several significant findings. The reduction of forest areas is associated with a substantial negative impact on quality of life, as are elevated levels of air pollution, whereas access to sanitation services exhibits a highly significant positive relationship. These results underscore the extent to which environmental degradation constrains opportunities for human development, particularly among vulnerable populations. The study concludes that public policies must transcend traditional economic frameworks and adopt integrated strategies that simultaneously promote ecological conservation, improve basic infrastructure, and reduce persistent inequalities across the region.

Keywords: air quality; health; sustainability indicators; well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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