The catalyzing role of financial inclusion in decoding environmental challenges and fostering a sustainable future in BRICS-T

Environmental degradation poses a significant challenge globally, exhibiting diverse manifestations across regions and ecosystems. This study aims to decipher the factors contributing to environmental degradation, with a specific focus on Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Türkiye countries, spanning the period of 1990–2018. This investigation revealed intricate interdependencies among financial institutions, market dynamics, energy utilization, demographic shifts, and ecological impacts. According to the findings of studies based on Durbin-Hausman, Westerlund, CS-ARDL cointegration, Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis and Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality tests, policies that encourage financial inclusion and energy efficiency should be developed to prevent environmental degradation. On the other hand, attention has been given to the impact of population growth on environmental policy decisions. This research contributes valuable information to the ongoing discourse on the interrelationship between financial inclusion, the energy population, and environmental protection.