The Role of Education and Innovation in Renewable Energy Consumption in OECD and BRICS Countries

Extreme climatic catastrophes and increasing emission levels demonstrate that humanity and nature are in confrontation. In this situation, the responsibility falls on intellectuals who engage in critical thinking, research, and innovation, propose solutions to problems, and bring society together to pursue a common goal. The present study assesses the role of education and Innovation in climate change mitigation in OECD and BRICS countries, where the use of renewable energy and decreasing the use of non-renewable energy are considered climate change mitigation strategies. The GMM approach is used to test the empirical model. The results indicate that increasing education and innovation levels in OECD and BRICS countries positively impact renewable energy consumption. However, the role of education and innovation in reducing the use of non-renewable energy consumption in the BRICS is insignificant, while in OECD countries, it is found significant. Thus, this study recommends that environmental education and green innovation be the focus to get sustainable development.