Effects of Environmental Unsustainability on Income Inequality: A Panel Data Analysis

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 3, 40 - 62, 02.07.2025

Mustafa İlker Ulu

https://doi.org/10.59445/ijephss.1698295

Abstract

The main goal of this research is to empirically examine how environmental unsustainability influences income disparity. Utilizing globally aggregated data and panel data analysis methods, the relationship between environmental indicators such as carbon emissions, natural resource depletion, deforestation, and climate change and the Gini coefficient is examined. When the analyses are performed individually for developed and developing nations, the results indicate that environmental degradation intensifies income inequality to a greater extent in developing countries compared to developed ones. Based on the results obtained through the fixed effects model and the panel ARDL approach, it is determined that environmental degradation has a statistically significant and long-term exacerbating effect on income inequality. Granger causality tests indicate that environmental indicators have a unidirectional impact on income distribution inequity. However, the literature review suggests that this relationship is often examined as bidirectional. The findings of this research highlight the necessity of evaluating environmental and social policies in an integrated manner. In light of these results, it is recommended that environmental protection policies be shaped based on principles of fair and inclusive development to prevent the deepening of social inequalities.

Keywords

environmental unsustainability , income inequality , Gini coefficient , carbon emissions , panel data analysis , climate vulnerability

Ethical Statement

It is declared that scientific and ethical principles have been followed while carrying out and writing this study and that all the sources used have been properly cited.

Supporting Institution

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The author extends sincere thanks to international organizations (e.g. the World Bank, ND-GAIN) for facilitating access to data. In addition, the author would like to express appreciation to colleagues who provided valuable insights and suggestions throughout the research process. Gratitude is also expressed to all sources and academic contributions that have, directly or indire

Çevresel Sürdürülemezliğin Gelir Eşitsizliği Üzerindeki Etkileri: Panel Veri Analizi

Abstract

Bu araştırmanın temel amacı, çevresel sürdürülemezliğin gelir eşitsizliği üzerindeki etkisini ampirik olarak incelemektir. Küresel olarak toplanmış veriler ve panel veri analizi yöntemleri kullanılarak, karbon emisyonları, doğal kaynakların tükenmesi, ormansızlaşma ve iklim değişikliği gibi çevresel göstergeler ile Gini katsayısı arasındaki ilişki araştırılmıştır. Analizler, gelişmiş ve gelişmekte olan ülkeler için ayrı ayrı yapıldığında, sonuçlar çevresel bozulmanın gelir eşitsizliğini özellikle gelişmekte olan ülkelerde daha fazla artırdığını göstermektedir. Sabit etkiler modeli ve panel ARDL yaklaşımlarıyla elde edilen bulgulara göre, çevresel bozulmanın istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ve uzun vadeli bir şekilde gelir eşitsizliğini artırıcı etkisi vardır. Granger nedensellik testleri, çevresel göstergelerin gelir dağılımı adaletsizliği üzerinde tek yönlü bir etkiye sahip olduğunu göstermektedir. Ancak, literatür incelemesi, bu ilişkinin sıklıkla iki yönlü olarak incelendiğine işaret etmektedir. Bu araştırmanın bulguları, çevresel ve sosyal politikaların bütünsel olarak değerlendirilmesi gerekliliğini vurgulamaktadır. Bu çerçevede, sonuçlar doğrultusunda, çevresel koruma politikalarının adil ve kapsayıcı kalkınma ilkelerine dayalı olarak şekillendirilmesi, sosyal eşitsizliklerin derinleşmesini önlemek açısından önemlidir.

Keywords

çevresel sürdürülemezlik , gelir eşitsizliği , Gini katsayısı , karbon emisyonları , panel veri analizi , iklim kırılganlığı

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma sırasında ve yazılırken bilimsel ve etik ilklerin takip edildiği ve kullanılan tüm kaynakların düzgünce belirtildiği beyan edilmektedir.

Supporting Institution

Çalışma, kamusal, özel, ticari nitelikte ya da kâr amacı gütmeyen herhangi bir kurumdan destek alınmadan hazırlanmıştır.

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