Reintroducing evidence of the role of energy usage dynamics on environmental management in E7 countries

This study examines the environmental impacts of per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and energy consumption in E7 countries (Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia and Turkey). As an innovative contribution to the literature, this is one of the first studies to integrate the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and the Energy Kuznets Hypothesis (EKH). Using unbalanced panel data for 1988-2022, the effects of renewable and non-renewable energy sources on environmental degradation are analyzed. The findings show that economic growth initially increases environmental degradation, but this effect reverses after a certain threshold. When the model is extended with the EKH, it is found that renewable energy use promotes environmental sustainability, whereas non-renewable sources increase environmental damage. The results of the study provide generalizable policy recommendations not only for E7 countries but also for all emerging economies in the energy transition. In particular, it is suggested that differentiating energy policies and regulatory quality according to countries' income levels can accelerate environmental improvement. In this respect, the study provides a multidimensional roadmap for sustainable development strategies that applies to policymakers.