Policy uncertainty, renewable energy, corruption and CO 2 emissions nexus in BRICS-1 countries: a panel CS-ARDL approach

Due to the ecological impacts of fossil energy, renewable energy has become crucial for inclusion in the energy supply to realize a sustainable environment, enhance public welfare, and combat global climate change. However, the transition to renewable energy and eco-sustainability is hampered by certain factors, such as uncertainties in economic policies and corruption. To this end, this study delves into the effects of renewable energy, policy uncertainty, and corruption on CO 2 emissions for a panel comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRICS-1) regulating the environment Kuznets growth curve (EKGC) hypothesis for a period 1990–2020. The unique panel cross-sectional augmented ARDL (CS-ARDL) approach was used in the study, which addresses the constraints of standard procedures by integrating cross-sectional dependence heterogeneity and endogeneity. The findings demonstrated that renewable energy consumption and corruption control contribute to long-term emissions reductions; however, policy uncertainty threatens environmental sustainability. In addition, BRICS-1 nations can benefit from the EKGC theory. The study offers significant ramifications for reducing pollution and suggests that policymakers establish sustainable measures to reduce policy uncertainties, control corruption, and enact environmental regulations that foster a safer environment for all citizens.