Green Innovation, Trade Openness and Environmental Degradation: A Study on G-7 Countries

Abstract

Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the natural environment, depletion of natural resources, and disruption of ecological balance as a result of human activities and natural processes. This situation also threatens environmental sustainability. Green innovation, which refers to the development and implementation of technologies and practices that reduce environmental harm, is considered an effective tool for addressing global environmental challenges. As developed countries allocate more resources to combat environmental degradation, the concept of green innovation becomes even more important. At the same time, trade openness, which refers to the removal or reduction of barriers to international trade, has transformed economies by increasing productivity and competitiveness along with growth. However, the environmental impact of trade liberalization, particularly concerning CO2 emissions, is a topic of significant debate. In this context, the main aim of this study is to examine the impact of green innovation and trade openness on environmental degradation in G-7 countries for the period 1995-2020 by using AMG (Augmented Mean Group) estimator. The empirical findings reveal that green innovation and trade openness have a negative effect on environmental degradation.

Keywords

• Green Innovation
• Trade Openness
• Environmental Degradation

Yeşil İnovasyon, Ticaret Açıklığı ve Çevresel Bozulma: G-7 Ülkeleri Üzerine Bir İnceleme

Abstract

Çevresel bozulma; insan faaliyetleri ve doğal süreçler sonucunda doğal çevrenin bozulması, doğal kaynakların tükenmesi ve ekolojik dengenin bozulması anlamına gelmektedir. Bu durum da çevresel sürdürülebilirliği tehdit etmektedir. Çevresel zararı azaltan teknolojilerin ve uygulamaların geliştirilmesi ve uygulanmasını ifade eden yeşil inovasyon, küresel ölçekte çevresel sorunlar için etkin bir araç olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Gelişmiş ülkelerde çevresel bozulma ile mücadeleye daha fazla kaynak ayrılması durumunda yeşil inovasyon kavramı daha da önemli hale gelmektedir. Aynı zamanda, uluslararası ticaretin önündeki engellerin kaldırılması veya azaltılmasını ifade eden ticaret açıklığı ise büyümeyle birlikte verimlilik ve rekabet gücünü artırarak ekonomileri dönüştürmüştür. Ancak, ticaretin serbestleşmesinin çevresel etkisi, özellikle CO2 emisyonlarıyla ilgili olarak, önemli bir tartışma konusudur. Bu bağlamda çalışmanın temel amacı, 1995-2020 dönemi için G-7 ülkelerinde yeşil inovasyon ve ticaret açıklığının çevresel bozulma üzerindeki etkisinin AMG (Augmented Mean Group) tahmincisiyle incelenmesidir. Elde edilen ampirik bulgular, yeşil inovasyonun ve ticaret açıklığının çevresel bozulma üzerinde negatif bir etkisinin olduğunu ortaya koymuştur.

Keywords

• Yeşil inovasyon
• Ticari açıklık
• Çevresel bozulma

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