ICT, CO₂ Emissions and Economic Growth: Evidence from a Panel of ASEAN

Abstract

This study examines relationships among information communications technology (ICT), carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and economic growth. The panel annual data are constructed from 1991 to 2009 for nine members from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The study examines the long-run equilibrium relationship using cointegration techniques and the short-run relationships using cointegrating regression estimation methods. Test results indicate a long-run equilibrium relationship exists among these variables. Among these relationships, ICT shows significant to highly significant positive effects on both economic growth and CO₂ emissions. Significant to highly significant inverse bidirectional relationships between economic growth and CO₂ emissions are found in the region. Based on these empirical findings, further policy implications for economic growth, ICT and CO₂ emissions are discussed.

Key Words:

• Information communications technology
• CO₂ emissions
• economic growth
• panel data analysis
• cointegrating regression analysis
• ASEAN

Jel Classification:

• C33
• O44
• O53
• Q58