Abstract Digitalization has become a critical instrument in the struggle against pollution and has the potential to help society move toward a low‐carbon economy. However, how digitization affects the environment depends on how different economic actors collaborate and, consequently, interact with digitalization. In this regard, the current study investigates the role of digitalization in Malaysia's transition to green energy, a crucial strategy for curbing CO2 emissions and combating climate change by using the Bayesian auto‐regressive distributed lags (BARDL) approach for a period from 2000 to 2021. The research empirically demonstrates the positive impact of the digitalization sector on the transition to green energy, notably, variables related to this transition were statistically significant. The main contribution of the study to the literature is to reveal the role of digitalization in the transition to green energy. The findings also offer practical policy recommendations, supporting the development of renewable energy sources and aiding in achieving zero‐carbon targets. The empirical findings provide valuable insights for decision makers, emphasizing the importance of aligning the European Union regulations for Malaysia's successful transition to digital green energy.

Abstract This study examines the effects of financial and technological innovations on India's ecological footprint—a comprehensive indicator of environmental degradation. Although previous research has addressed the individual impacts of these innovations, their collective influence has not been thoroughly investigated. Using data from 1973 to 2018 and employing ARDL Bounds and Bayer‐Hanck cointegration tests, we find a long‐run relationship between innovations, economic growth, energy consumption, and the ecological footprint. Notably, while the short‐term impact of innovations appears detrimental, both financial and technological innovations demonstrate a long‐term beneficial effect on the environment, which suggests that initial investments in innovation may have short‐term environmental costs, but ultimately contribute to environmental improvement. Additionally, this study confirms the harmful long‐term effects of energy consumption and economic growth on the environment. These findings underscore the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing robust environmental policies to foster sustainable development in India.

Abstract China's economy has transtioned into the “new normal”, which demands higher standards for energy utilization efficiency. Meanwhile, the spatial distribution of China's energy consumption and economic development exhibits a significant imbalance, complicating efforts to achieve Pareto optimization of regional energy allocation efficiency. Addressing this issue, this study explores the heterogeneity of the factors influencing energy consumption in China from the dual perspectives of economic “new normal” and geographic space, using an exponential decomposition model. The results of the study show that: (1) the inhibitory effect of the energy intensity effect on the growth of regional energy consumption is differentiated, with stronger inhibitory effects in Guangdong, Jiangsu and other provinces, and weaker inhibitory effects in Hainan, Qinghai, and other provinces. Living standard effect on the regional energy consumption growth of the promotion of the effect also has differences, Jiangsu, Shandong and other provinces of the promotion of the effect is stronger, while Hainan, Qinghai, and other provinces of the promotion of the effect is weaker. (2) Population size effect on regional energy consumption growth is not consistent in the direction of the role of Guangdong, Zhejiang, and other provinces have a promotional effect and the role of the effect of the stronger, on the contrary, the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Gansu has an inhibitory effect. (3) In the late stage of the economic “new normal”, the effects of energy intensity effect, living standard effect and population size effect on the growth of energy consumption in the four regions show a weakening trend, and this weakening trend is more obvious in the northeast region. This study expands theoretical research on factors affecting energy consumption and offers practical guidance for China's government to coordinate regional energy allocation under the economic “new normal” and geographical considerations.

Abstract Investigating the role that air transportation plays in regard to carbon emissions offers several valuable insights and contributions that are critical for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development as far as climate mitigation, policy development and evaluation, technological innovation, public awareness engagement, international cooperation, and risk management and resilience are concerned. Such studies are of importance since aviation holds approximately 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Therefore, this study aims to search for the role of air transportation in pollutant emissions around the globe. A global data split by regions and income groups is constructed and evaluated through the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) methodology. Results reveal that means of air transportation generally exert statistically significant effects on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions; however, the signs of coefficients of air transportation are in mixed directions across different regions and income groups. The study concludes that alternative air transport systems such as solar‐powered aircraft and technological innovations should be seriously considered as a business strategy due to increasing pollutant emissions.

Abstract In 2023, global temperatures witnessed an alarming escalation, reaching an unprecedented 1.46°C above preindustrial levels, marking it as the hottest year on record. Simultaneously, atmospheric carbon dioxide surpassed 420 ppm, exceeding a stability maintained for over 6000 years by more than double. This troubling surge in CO2 intensifies global warming, leading to an increased frequency of extreme weather events and contributing to 24% of global deaths attributed to environmental concerns. These alarming environmental challenges demand urgent attention and the implementation of innovative policies. Responding to this imperative, the study examines the impact of artificial intelligence‐based industrial robotics (AIIR) and other control variables such as green energy, green finance, and green energy investment on CO2 emissions in economies supporting green initiatives, including Canada, Denmark, China, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. Using monthly data from 2008 to 2021 and a novel nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag approach, the results indicate that AIIR significantly reduces CO2 emissions in the sample economies. Additionally, green energy, green finance, and green energy investment also significantly decrease CO2 emissions. The study's outcomes bear policy implications for decision‐makers in the sampled economies, offering tangible insights for effective environmental management.

Abstract Green finance is a market‐driven approach to achieve the “double carbon” goal. However, the existing research predominantly focuses on the connotations and empowerment aspects of green finance. Notable regional disparities exist in China's financial markets and resource endowments, resulting in uneven levels of green finance development among various areas, significantly impeding the overall green transformation of the economy and society. In light of this, our paper explores the spatial patterns and association network of green finance development in China. The research findings indicate that: (1) The development of green finance in China exhibits an “east high, west low” spatial distribution pattern, with significant spatial clustering observed among neighboring provinces. The eastern region displays a “H‐H” clustering, while the western region shows an “L‐L” clustering. (2) The spatial correlation distribution of provincial green finance in China demonstrates an eastward concentration and westward dispersion trend, with strong correlation areas gradually expanding. Notably, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei urban agglomerations lead nationally in attractiveness. (3) The external radiation capability of provincial green finance is progressively improving, with provinces such as Beijing, Hebei, Hubei, and Sichuan likely to occupy strategic structural positions, possessing greater development advantages. This study not only expands the theoretical scope of existing green finance research but also provides a practical reference for coordinating and achieving the high‐quality development of regional green finance from a practical perspective.

Abstract The present study aims to examine the impact of economic growth, economic uncertainty, health expenditure, environmental policy and life expectancy on human health in China through the application of simultaneous quantile regression analysis. The results of the study suggest that economic growth, environmental policy and life expectancy are found to have a positive and statistically significant impact on human health while economic uncertainty, health expenditure negatively impact human health in China. During periods of economic uncertainty, individuals tend to prioritise attending to immediate needs, potentially leading to a decrease in social cooperation and negative impacts on both physical and financial well‐being. The enhancement of financial development has the potential to stimulate investments in private sector health infrastructure, whilst policymakers can play a crucial role in augmenting public sector expenditure. In order to promote the improvement of human health and well‐being both domestically in China and internationally, it is imperative for authorities to give precedence to the implementation of sustainable environmental practises and allocate resources towards the development of healthcare infrastructure. These efforts should align with the objectives outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with special emphasis on SDG 13, which pertains to climate action, and SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well‐being. The results of this study provide empirical evidence that lends support to the implementation of policies that aim to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between economic, environmental and health considerations, thereby fostering sustainable development and promoting equitable health outcomes.

Abstract This research employed an extended Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) modelling providing original empirical evidence on how technological innovation with the presence of green finance, energy transition vectoring renewable and non‐renewable energy, population, affluence, and financial development affect environmental sustainability measured on the carbon emissions and ecological consequences in E7 during the 1996–2019 period. The study applied mean group (MG), pooled mean group (PMG), and dynamic fixed effects (DFE) after conducting various preliminary tests. The findings predominantly revealed that renewable energy, green finance, and the patent in environmental technologies play an important role in mitigating environmental degradation. However, non‐renewable energy, financial development, population growth, and affluence escalate environmental degradation in the emerging countries under investigation. The outcome of this research proved conclusively that it is vital to introduce the patent on environmental technologies to encourage the collaboration on technology development related to global climate change. Furthermore, enhancing international collaboration in research and technology will positively affect local businesses through utilizing the modern climate change mitigation.

Abstract The objective of the study is to examine the effects of artisanal and small‐scale gold mining (ASGM) and routes towards sustainable development (SD) for a low‐profile mining community in Ghana. The study drew on the literature on mining, sustainable development, and the Natural Resource Curse (NRC) theory. Data were gathered using semi‐structured interviews and focus group discussions with 203 participants selected through the purposive and snowball sampling methods. The data were analysed using the thematic approach. The findings indicate that although ASGM supported livelihoods through employment and income generation, it had numerous negative effects that weakened the ‘pillars’ of SD, namely social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Among others, the study reveals conflicts, drop‐out and absenteeism among students and pupils, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, child labour, and violence in the host community. Economically, ASGM affected agricultural production and food security following the destruction of farms and farmlands, while labour and capital were moved from farming to mining. Environmentally, air and water bodies were polluted, flora and fauna destroyed, and productive lands degraded. In short, the SD costs were perceived to be greater than the benefits, lending credence to the NRC theory. Several of these adverse effects were due to the fact that the activities were neither formalized nor regulated. Besides, the operations were characterized by inappropriate technology and lack of geological data, leading to unsustainable mining practices resulting in anti‐development outcomes. By way of routes towards sustainability, it is recommended that the operations be formalized under the existing Community Mining Scheme and regulated to ensure responsible, accountable, and sustainable mining. The Scheme should be strengthened in order to drive positive impact‐making mining operations by means of introducing a sustainability‐oriented licensing regime, sustainable mining technologies, access to land and geological data, stakeholder participation, capacity building on sustainable mining literacy, and eco‐friendly mine closure strategies.

Abstract Numerous studies have indicated that incorporating an environmental ethic (EE), green innovation (GI), and environmental policy (EnP) can enhance a company's sustainable performance, that is, environmental performance (EP) and economic performance (EcP) in the manufacturing industry. However, to encourage eco‐friendly production and processes, it is crucial to promote sustainable practices across different industries. Nevertheless, some researchers have overlooked the significance of these implementations. Integrating these practices into the manufacturing sector can be challenging. To address this issue, this study has developed an empirical model that assesses two pillars of sustainable performance in the Jordanian manufacturing industry. The study analyzes the direct correlation between a firm's EE, GI, and sustainable performance. It also examines whether GI plays a mediating role in the relationship between company EE and sustainable performance and if EnP moderates the relationship between GI and sustainable performance. The study collected data from 386 respondents belonging to various manufacturing industries in Jordan and analyzed it using SmartPLS. The research revealed that a manufacturing firm's EE is significantly boosted by GI, EP, and EcP. These findings suggest that companies with higher EE are more likely to innovate sustainably and perform better in terms of sustainability. In particular, the study found that GI plays a mediating role between a firm's EE and its sustainable performance. Furthermore, the impact of EnP on the relationship between GI and EP was mixed, showing a moderating effect on the former but not on EcP. The study provides valuable insights into the implementation of green practices in the manufacturing sector and discusses policy implications for manufacturers.