ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL ECONOMIC EXPANSION ON RESOURCE UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN UZBEKISTAN

This study investigates the intricate relationship between digital economic expansion, resource utilization, and environmental sustainability in Uzbekistan. As the country advances its digital economy, understanding the environmental consequences of this growth becomes crucial for policy-making. The research explores how Uzbekistan’s digital-driven GDP growth impacts resource consumption, particularly focusing on energy usage, water resources, and land utilization, alongside environmental degradation indicators such as CO2 emissions and pollution levels. Employing an econometric model, the analysis assesses the extent to which economic growth, driven by non-renewable energy sources, contributes to environmental challenges, and how a transition to renewable energy can mitigate these effects. Empirical data from 2005 to 2020 on GDP, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions are analyzed to understand these dynamics. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between GDP growth and non-renewable energy consumption, resulting in higher CO2 emissions and environmental degradation. The study underscores the importance of integrating renewable energy into Uzbekistan’s digital economy to ensure sustainable development. Furthermore, policy recommendations are provided to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, aiming for a digital economy that supports both resource efficiency and environmental protection.