How do renewable energy adoption and forest area conservation enhance climate resilience? New empirical evidence from developing economies

Purpose In the niche of growing concerns about ensuring environmental sustainability, it is necessary to explore such strategies that enhance climate resilience (CMR). In this wake, this study aims to disclose the potential impacts of renewable energy adoption (REA) and forest area conservation (FRA) on CMR. Specifically, this study analyzes how both REA and FRA impact the climate vulnerability (CVN) situation in a country. Design/methodology/approach The empirical analysis was settled on South Asian economies throughout 1999–2023. This study uses the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag model as a primary estimation technique and checks the robustness through the fully modified ordinary least squares model. Findings The findings infer that both REA and CMR negatively (positively) affect CVN (CMR), thereby enhancing environmental sustainability. More reliance on renewable energy and exploration of forests significantly reduces carbon emissions and enhances the availability of fresh air. Moreover, the forest area absorbs carbon emissions, thereby enhancing the quality of air. These findings remain consistent even after including the control variables and using the alternative estimation technique. Practical implications The findings advocate important policy suggestions regarding the focus on the adoption of renewable energy as fuel inputs and enhancing the area of forests. Originality/value This study offers novel evidence by considering both REA and FRA in a single setting of study.