Green growth, natural resources and sustainable development: Evidence from BRICS economies

Green growth, natural resources and sustainable development: Evidence from BRICS economies
Authors: Jiaqi Xu, Jingfeng Zhao, Shengxiang She, Wen Liu
Journal: Resources Policy
Volume & Issue: Volume 79
Published: December 2022

This study examines the relationship between green growth, natural resources, renewable energy, and economic performance in BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—covering the period 1991–2014. Using advanced panel data methods, including slope heterogeneity, cross-sectional dependence, and unit root tests, the research identifies long-run equilibrium relationships among the variables.

The findings show that green growth has a heterogeneous impact on economic performance across BRICS nations. Green innovation, surprisingly, is negatively associated with economic performance, while renewable energy consumption and natural resource utilization significantly enhance economic outcomes.

The study highlights the critical role of renewable energy and sustainable resource management in fostering economic growth. It recommends policies that stabilize the positive effects of green growth, promote renewable energy adoption, and optimize natural resource rents. By integrating environmental strategies with economic planning, BRICS countries can advance sustainable development while improving long-term economic performance.