Does higher education lead to lower environmental pollution? New evidence from MENA countries using econometric panel data

Abstract

Recognizing the critical significance of environmental preservation, this paper investigates the intricate relationship between higher education and environmental pollution in MENA countries from 2000 to 2018. The analysis incorporates three control variables: the globalization index, population, and gross domestic product (GDP). Employing a comprehensive methodology that includes panel unit root tests, Kao cointegration test, fixed effect GLS, fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS). As main results, we first found using GLS that higher education, globalization, and GDP per capita positively impact CO₂ emissions in the MENA region. Subsequently, using FMOLS and DOLS, we found that except for GDP per capita, all other variables play a key role in mitigating CO₂ emissions in the long run, thus validating the KURZNETS curve hypothesis for education and challenging it for economic growth in the MENA countries. Given the existing results, this study provides significant recommendations for policymakers and governments to reduce CO₂ emissions.