Investigating the Relationship between Energy Consumption and Environmental Degradation with the Moderating Influence of Technological Innovation

Energy consumption (ECON) in BRICS countries is fueled by fossil fuels, mainly coal. Increased environmental degradation (ED) in BRICS countries is mostly driven by coal consumption. This study utilizes quantile regression for the analysis, enabling the development of targeted energy reorganization and emission reduction policies in BRICS countries. This study uses data spanning from 1990 to 2022 to explore the impact of ECON on ED. Additionally, technological innovation was used to create a moderating role in the nexus between ECON and ED. The model focuses on CO2 emissions and the ecological footprint across ten BRICS countries. Among the nations included in the panel, the results indicate a significant dependence on cross-sectional factors. The study shows that ECON has a detrimental impact on ED across all quantiles. However, technological innovation reduces ED. In terms of a moderating role, technological innovation mitigates the negative influence of ECON on ED. Therefore, it is necessary to implement distinct policies in order to accomplish carbon emission reduction goals in various countries.