Green horizons: Synergized green technological innovation and green energy consumption on ecological degradation

The ecological environment is at great risk due to economic activities owing to investments, rapid industrialization, and energy resources depletion, which pose significant environmental challenges globally. Recent research has emphasized on the crucial role of green energy consumption (GEN) and green technology innovation in attaining environmental sustainability. However, there are still areas that need to be addressed. This research study investigates the role of GEN, green technology innovation, and foreign direct investment while controlling the effect of economic growth (EGR) and trade openness level on the ecological footprint (EFP) using data from 1999 to 2022 for Pakistan. We used diverse econometric methodologies to ensure the data consistency. We examine the long-term relationships among the study variables using fully modified ordinary least-squares and canonical co-integrating regression. The results revealed that green technology innovation, and GEN emerge as pivotal in reducing environmental degradation. Conversely, foreign direct investment and EGR increased the EFP, validating the pollution haven hypothesis in Pakistan. These findings highlighted the significance of green technology innovation that increased GEN to address ecological degradation. These findings contribute to more extensive discussions on environmental sustainability and development of the green horizon, particularly in the context of developing countries like Pakistan.