This study primarily aims to examine the impact of economic development indicators, represented by (economic growth, energy consumption, population growth, natural resource rents, and foreign trade), on the Environmental Footprint (EF) in Arab countries (Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia). To achieve this goal, the Panel Data Model was utilized for the period from 2019 to 2022, considering both the short- and long-term effects. The analysis was based on cross-sectional data (CSD), unit root tests, cointegration tests, and the dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM).
The results indicate that all variables increase the Environmental Footprint (EF) in both the short and long term. Additionally, there is an equilibrium relationship and cointegration in both timeframes. The study confirmed the validity of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis for the Arab countries under investigation. The paper suggests effectively linking economic policies to environmental objectives by adopting strategies to reduce unsustainable environmental practices in Arab countries.
Keywords: Economic Development, Environmental Footprint (EF), Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), Arab Countries, Econometric Study.