The Nexus of Economic Growth, Democracy and Human Development on Environmental Degradation in Eurasian Countries

<ns3:p> Background The continuous increase in emissions has exacerbated climate change, which is a concern for everyone on a global scale. In addition, the dynamics of democratic quality and development dimensions have been identified as key determinants that affect environmental quality in various countries. This study aims to analyze how economic growth (GDP), human development index (HDI), and democracy (DM) affect Environmental Degradation (ED), particularly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Methods This study used panel data from 30 countries, divided into 15 developed and 15 developing countries, over an annual period from 2015 to 2022. The variables used in this study consist of CO2 as the dependent variable, while GDP, HDI, and DM serve as independent variables. Considering the characteristics of larger cross-section data and shorter time-series ranges, we used a dynamic panel model with two-step Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation method to achieve the research objectives. Results The results show that HDI has a negative and significant effect on CO <ns3:sub>2</ns3:sub> emissions in developed countries, but contrasts with developing countries. Democracy is negatively and significantly correlated with CO <ns3:sub>2</ns3:sub> emissions, with the effect being more pronounced in developed countries. The study also confirms the existence of an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) with an inverted U-shaped pattern, supporting the hypothesis in both groups of Eurasian countries. Conclusion The results of the study show that there is a significant dynamic relationship that can be measured by comparing econometric results in Eurasian countries with different levels of development. This study is the first of its kind on the subject in this region, making an important contribution to the empirical literature and enhancing the understanding of the impact of socio-economic-political variables on pollution emissions. </ns3:p>