Sustainability in High-Income Countries: Urbanization, Renewables, and Ecological Footprints

Environmental sustainability remains a critical challenge in the face of global economic development. This study explored the complex interactions among renewable energy consumption, urbanization, trade openness, and economic development, focusing on their effects on environmental quality in 34 high-income European and Asian economies from 1970 to 2022. Using linear Bayesian regression and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), the analysis examined short- and long-term impacts to uncover nuanced relationships. Results demonstrated that economic development contributed to environmental degradation over the long term while mitigating it in the short term. Renewable energy consumption supported economic growth but showed limited efficacy in reducing ecological footprints across different time frames. Urbanization and trade openness emerged as significant drivers of long-term environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions. This study examined the link among economic progress and environmental sustainability, and identified key areas for improvement in urban planning, renewable energy, and trade policies. The findings provide a framework for policymakers to balance development with environmental preservation.