Estimating the health production function for Pakistan: Do environmental factors matter?

Abstract

Abstract It is essential for sustainable economic development to comprehend how environmental factors impact public health. This study analyses this relationship in the context of Pakistan using long‐term data. This study aims to determine how environmental factors influence health production function in Pakistan to enlighten policy decisions that can improve human life and advance the cause of sustainable development. We hypothesize, based on prior research, that urbanization and rainfall will increase life expectancy in Pakistan, while deforestation, temperature, and CO 2 emissions will decrease it. To verify our theory, we use the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method to calculate the long‐run association between the variables, as well as the Zivot–Andrews and Lee–Strazicich unit root tests to identify structural breaks. Utilizing the bound and Gregory–Hansen co‐integration tests, co‐integration is confirmed. According to ARDL estimates, there are statistically significant correlations between factors that affect Pakistan's life expectancy, such as deforestation, temperature, and CO 2 emissions, as well as rainfall and urbanization. The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing environmental degradation and deforestation in Pakistan. For enhancing human life and achieving sustainable development objectives in the nation, it is essential to modernize forest laws and regulations and adopt eco‐friendly technologies.