Can Good Governance Make Digitalization Environmentally Sustainable? Evidence from Pakistan

This study investigates the asymmetric impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on ecological footprint in Pakistan, incorporating governance as a moderating factor. Using a nonlinear ARDL framework, the analysis distinguishes between positive and negative shocks in fixed broadband subscriptions and internet usage. The results confirm long-run cointegration and reveal that digital expansion increases ecological pressure, largely due to fossil fuel–based energy dependence. However, governance quality significantly mitigates these adverse effects by moderating the ICT–environment nexus. The findings highlight the importance of institutional strength and energy transition policies in ensuring that digital transformation contributes to environmental sustainability in developing economies.

Energy Transition and SDG Performance in GCC Countries: The Moderating Role of Renewable Electricity under Carbon Pressure

This study examines the relationship between renewable electricity output and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in GCC countries, while considering the moderating role of carbon dioxide emissions. The analysis employs panel data and applies the cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model to estimate both long-run and short-run relationships. The results indicate that renewable electricity output, electricity access, and renewable energy consumption positively contribute to SDG performance, whereas carbon emissions and energy intensity hinder sustainable development. The moderating analysis further shows that renewable electricity can mitigate the adverse effects of emissions. The findings highlight the importance of expanding renewable energy and improving energy efficiency to accelerate sustainable development in GCC economies.