Estimation of environmental Kuznets curve for SO2 emission: A case of Indian cities

Abstract

Interaction between environmental degradation and economic growth is a growing matter of interest among policymakers. In this study, we have estimated Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) for 139 Indian cities considering SO2 emissions. Study has been done for 2001-2013, and the data have been segregated by residential and industrial areas, and as well as low, medium, and high income areas. Fixed and random effect panel regressions have been used for analysis, along with a series of auxiliary regressions on orthogonally transformed dataset. By virtue of different forms of EKC being found, policy level decisions have been designed. Moreover, non-rejection of EKC hypothesis reemphasized the impact of growth catalyzing economic policy decisions on environment