The Relationship between Remittances and CO2 Emissions in Türkiye: An Analysis within the Framework of the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between migrant transfers and CO2 emissions in Turkey within the framework of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis, based on annual data from 1974 to 2022. The ARDL bounds testing approach is employed to explore both short- and long-term effects, while FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR methods are used to test the robustness of the results. The findings confirm that the EKC hypothesis holds for Turkey in long run, indicating that economic growth can eventually reduce environmental pollution once a certain income level is achieved. However, it is observed that Turkey’s current income level remains insufficient to significantly mitigate environmental degradation. Moreover, the analysis reveals that remittance inflows contribute to increasing CO2 emissions by boosting consumption and infrastructure investments. This dual impact highlights that while remittances support economic development, they may also generate negative environmental externalities. The study emphasizes importance of strategically managing remittance flows, suggesting that channeling them into renewable energy, green technologies, and sustainable infrastructure is vital for achieving environmental sustainability goals. By addressing the interconnected dynamics of migration, economic growth, and environmental quality, the study fills a gap in the existing literature and provides valuable policy recommendations for aligning economic and environmental objectives.

Keywords

• EKC Hypothesis
• Remittances
• CO2 emissions
• ARDL.

Türkiye’de Göçmen Dövizleri ve CO2 Emisyonları İlişkisi: Çevresel Kuznets Eğrisi Hipotezi Çerçevesinde Bir Analiz

Abstract

Bu çalışmada, 1974-2022 dönemindeki yıllık veriler kullanılarak Türkiye’de göçmen transferleri ile CO2 emisyonları arasındaki ilişki çevresel Kuznets eğrisi (EKC) hipotezi kapsamında incelemektedir. Araştırmada hem kısa hem de uzun dönem etkileri analiz etmek amacıyla ARDL sınır testi yaklaşımı kullanılmıştır. Ek olarak, elde edilen sonuçların güvenilirliğini artırmak ve modelin sağlamlığını test etmek için FMOLS, DOLS ve CCR gibi alternatif tekniklerden de yararlanılmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular, Türkiye’de uzun vadede EKC hipotezinin geçerli olduğunu, yani ekonomik büyümenin belirli bir aşamadan sonra çevresel kirliliği azaltabileceğini ortaya koymaktadır. Ancak mevcut gelir düzeyinin çevresel bozulmayı azaltacak yeterli seviyeye ulaşmadığı belirlenmiştir. Özellikle göçmen transferleri, artan tüketim harcamaları ve altyapı yatırımları yoluyla CO2 emisyonlarını artırıcı bir etki yaratmaktadır. Bu durum, işçi dövizlerinin ekonomik büyümeyi teşvik etmekle birlikte çevre üzerinde olumsuz dışsallıklara da neden olabileceğini göstermektedir. Çalışma, göçmen transferlerinin etkili bir şekilde yönetilmesi gerektiğini ve bu kaynakların yenilenebilir enerji projelerine, yeşil altyapı yatırımlarına ve çevre dostu teknolojilere yönlendirilmesinin sürdürülebilir kalkınma hedefleri açısından kritik önemde olduğunu vurgulamaktadır. Göç, kalkınma ve çevre dinamiklerini bütüncül bir şekilde ele alan bu çalışma, literatürdeki önemli bir boşluğu doldurmakta ve politika yapıcılara çevresel ve ekonomik hedeflerin uyumlaştırılması konusunda değerli çıkarımlar sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• : EKC Hipotezi
• Göçmen Dövizleri
• CO2 emisyonları
• ARDL

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