Reducing Environmental Footprint through Convergence of Waste Management, Green Finance, and Green Technology: Adopting Multiple Approaches

Abstract This study explores the impact of economic expansion, total natural resources rent, waste management, green finance, and green technological innovation on ecological footprints, in the case of Saudi Arabia. Despite the plethora of empirical studies, we contribute to the literature through multiple channels: (i) adopting the combined model of variables, (ii) formulating the interaction term of green technology with key indicators, (iii) threshold-based analysis, etc. The findings indicate that total natural resource rents, green finance, and green technological innovation are negatively related to ecological footprints. Initial analysis suggests that waste management alone does not significantly affect the environment. However, when combined with green technological innovation, it can significantly reduce the ecological footprint in Saudi Arabia. Advanced waste management technologies should be implemented to address the long-term effects of environmental damage. Financial institutions should also evaluate their lending practices against sustainable finance frameworks and issue green bonds.