Cascading effects of geopolitical risk on environmental quality and public health in BRICS

This research investigates the critical, under-examined nexus of geopolitical risk, environmental quality (CO2 emissions), and public health in BRICS countries. Employing pooled and quantile regression estimators for panel data, the study reveals that geopolitical risk is positively associated with environmental quality, in turn, exacerbating PM2.5 concentrations. Notably, the interaction between geopolitical risk and environmental quality amplifies the negative impact on public health and life expectancy. This highlights a precarious synergy: geopolitical instability intensifies the adverse health effects of environmental pollution. The study's novelty lies in its comprehensive, integrated approach to this complex relationship. Our findings highlight the urgent need for policymakers to adopt holistic strategies that integrate geopolitical stability with environmental and public health agendas, particularly in these rapidly emerging economies.