The aim of current study is to investigate the significance of green and blue economic activities to mitigate the carbon emission in Saudi Arabia. We use the time series data which covers the period from 1990 to 2019. For empirical estimations, we use nonlinear ARDL approach which confirms that energy indicators and blue economic indicators are not mature enough to achieve carbon neutrality objectives. However, after Vision 2030 empirics, positive shocks in green indicators are turning down the carbon level. The findings of energy and blue indicators are useful for policy recommendations which help to achieve the sustainable environmental goals of Vision 2030.

This paper investigates the impact of life expectancy on carbon emission, in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, we examined the role of governance to achieve carbon neutrality status. We used the novel dynamic ARDL technique for estimations. This is one of the pioneer studies that analyze the role of life expectancy to control carbon emissions. The coefficients of life expectancy, education, and political stability are significantly negative. On contrary, governance effectiveness is an obstacle to achieving carbon neutrality. Empirical findings of life expectancy and governance effectiveness are quite surprising. In terms of Vision 2030 estimations, the coefficient of corruption control is significant and negative, indicating that the Saudi government has prioritized corruption control. While governance effectiveness remains positive, the Saudi government still requires governance reforms in order to achieve carbon neutrality goals.

The motivation behind this research is to investigate the determinants of the ecological footprint in MENA countries and find appropriate solutions. We updated the STIRPAT model and applied sophisticated panel techniques to data from 1996 to 2020. According to the findings, economic expansion along with urbanization and tourism is to blame for these countries’ huge environmental footprints. In addition, when it comes to environmental degradation remedies, environmental innovation and the use of renewable energy play an important role in minimizing these environmental externalities. The results of post Saudi Vison 2030 analysis confirmed the significance of urban population and renewable energy in minimizing the environmental footprint. In light of the findings, it is advised that policymakers should revise the legislative framework to attract not only private sector investment, but also foreign investment to utilize the full potential of renewable energy generation.

Due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels and rapid urbanization, China's economic growth is accompanied by environmental problems. Hence, it is vital to solve the issue by promoting green growth and finding factors to boost it. The current study presents FinTech as a factor enhancing green growth in China through the mediation effect of the energy transition. The green growth index is created through a comprehensive literature review and selecting the most critical indicators. It has been established through benchmark regression that FinTech positively affects green growth in China. However, results also prove that the energy transition is the path through which FinTech affects green growth. Policymakers are advised to direct their efforts toward the energy transition and FinTech to solve the problems related to China's rapid economic growth.