Gender Gap and CO₂ Emissions in Emerging Markets Economies: A Panel Data Study

This study aims to empirically verify that gender equality, one of the indicators of equitable development in countries, has a positive effect on reducing CO2 emissions per capita in emerging markets economies. It also aims to determine and rank the countries that are inefficient in terms of CO2 emissions per capita (metric tons). For this purpose, the panel data stochastic frontier model is estimated. The Global Gender Gap Index, which measures gender equality, primary energy consumption per capita (gigajoule), and GDP per capita (constant 2010 US$) are used as independent variables of 24 countries from 2006 to 2018. The authors test the negative impact of gender equity on CO2 emissions. The results of the model support this hypothesis. This study indicates that gender equity can be suggested both as a driving force for economic development and sustainable environmental efficiency in which growth can be linked to lower emissions of CO2.