Unveiling the drivers of environmental performance by investigating the Nexus of energy, economic complexity and institutional quality in G7 nations

Human activities have significantly increased emissions due to the economic expansion of the 21st century and prevalent production and energy consumption patterns. Nevertheless, attaining a decrease in emission levels necessitates a proactive stance towards ecological sustainability, encompassing inventive tactics and a deliberate adoption of contemporary technologies. This study is motivated by the urgent need to address the rising ecological footprint due to unsustainable energy use and economic activities, especially within G7 economies. The study aims to examine the impact of energy consumption, institutional quality, globalization, economic complexity, and fossil fuel use on the ecological footprint, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices using PMG-ARDL for data 2000-2021. The analysis indicates a strong positive association between ecological footprints and the utilization of fossil fuels, globalization, institutional quality, and renewable energy sources. Conversely, economic complexity shows a significant negative correlation with long-term footprints. The findings suggest that G7 economies should adopt innovative technologies and prioritize renewable energy to optimize energy use, fostering sustainability and reducing ecological harm.