To achieve the objectives of the study, we have analyzed the repercussions of income, foreign direct investment, health expenditure and renewable energy consumption on environmental pollution (CO₂) in a panel of Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI) countries over the time span 1995–2016. The study employed a second-generation unit root test, panel co-integration, two-step generalized method of moments (GMM), fully modified least squares (FMOLS), symmetric and asymmetric causalities for robust inference. The cointegration results established the long-run relationship between the variables. Empirical results indicated the effectiveness of renewable energy in combatting CO₂ emissions, the negative sign of FDI with CO₂ emissions negates the existence of the pollution haven hypothesis for the B&RI panel. Where income and health expenditure accelerates CO₂ emissions, which degrades the environment, these results in the case of individual countries differ in various stages. Varieties of symmetric and asymmetric causalities are also discussed in the study. The study concludes with long term policies, which are necessary for the sustained growth of B&RI countries.

This study aims to investigate the effects of economic openness and innovations on the environment of ASEAN countries for 1990-2014. We have employed several techniques for empirical analysis. To examine cross-sectional dependence and unit root test, we have used the Pesaran CD test and Pesaran CIPS unit root test. Pedroni and Kao and Westurland cointegration tests have been employed to confirm the cointegration among the variables. For estimations of long-run relationship, we have utilized DOLS and FMOLS techniques. Moreover, to determine the causality directions, we have employed Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test. The results of the study show that energy use and trade openness significantly increase CO2 emissions in ASEAN countries. On the other hand, FDI, GDP and patents markedly depress CO2 emissions. The findings depict that energy use and trade openness harm the environment by escalating CO2 emissions while FDI, GDP and patents improve the environment by depressing CO2 emissions. Therefore, policy-makers should encourage investment in renewable energy sources and boost green trade openness in ASEAN countries.