Energy security and carbon emissions: the role of economic freedom

This paper explores the impact of energy security on carbon emissions and analyses the mediating role of different dimensions of economic freedom in this relationship. By examining the mechanisms through which economic freedom can enhance energy security, this study aims to contribute to the formula...

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Main Authors: Cong, Shufeng, Lee, Chin, Li, Chuanhua
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer Science and Business Media 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/117698/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/117698/1/117698.pdf
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author Cong, Shufeng
Lee, Chin
Li, Chuanhua
author_facet Cong, Shufeng
Lee, Chin
Li, Chuanhua
author_sort Cong, Shufeng
building UPM Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description This paper explores the impact of energy security on carbon emissions and analyses the mediating role of different dimensions of economic freedom in this relationship. By examining the mechanisms through which economic freedom can enhance energy security, this study aims to contribute to the formulation of policies that support both economic growth and environmental stewardship in a low-carbon future. The study is based on panel data for 69 countries from 2012-2018, employing the fixed effects model as the main methodology. Results indicate that energy security significantly reduces carbon emissions. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of six dimensions of economic freedom—business, monetary, trade, investment, and financial freedom—reveals significant mediation effects, while labour freedom shows no significant impact. This study advocates for policies that promote sustainable development and a low-carbon economy. Key recommendations include enhancing energy security through clean energy and efficiency; guiding economic growth towards low-carbon industries; conserving forests; attracting green FDI; enforcing cleaner industrial practices; expanding carbon markets; and promoting economic freedom by streamlining bureaucratic processes.
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spelling upm-1176982025-06-11T03:03:55Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/117698/ Energy security and carbon emissions: the role of economic freedom Cong, Shufeng Lee, Chin Li, Chuanhua This paper explores the impact of energy security on carbon emissions and analyses the mediating role of different dimensions of economic freedom in this relationship. By examining the mechanisms through which economic freedom can enhance energy security, this study aims to contribute to the formulation of policies that support both economic growth and environmental stewardship in a low-carbon future. The study is based on panel data for 69 countries from 2012-2018, employing the fixed effects model as the main methodology. Results indicate that energy security significantly reduces carbon emissions. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of six dimensions of economic freedom—business, monetary, trade, investment, and financial freedom—reveals significant mediation effects, while labour freedom shows no significant impact. This study advocates for policies that promote sustainable development and a low-carbon economy. Key recommendations include enhancing energy security through clean energy and efficiency; guiding economic growth towards low-carbon industries; conserving forests; attracting green FDI; enforcing cleaner industrial practices; expanding carbon markets; and promoting economic freedom by streamlining bureaucratic processes. Springer Science and Business Media 2025 Article PeerReviewed text en http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/117698/1/117698.pdf Cong, Shufeng and Lee, Chin and Li, Chuanhua (2025) Energy security and carbon emissions: the role of economic freedom. Environment, Development and Sustainability. pp. 1-26. ISSN 1387-585X; eISSN: 1573-2975 (In Press) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-025-06197-1?error=cookies_not_supported&code=e417cece-2e43-4fa4-a2d8-1caf7309e2b9 carbon emissions 10.1007/s10668-025-06197-1
spellingShingle carbon emissions
Cong, Shufeng
Lee, Chin
Li, Chuanhua
Energy security and carbon emissions: the role of economic freedom
title Energy security and carbon emissions: the role of economic freedom
title_full Energy security and carbon emissions: the role of economic freedom
title_fullStr Energy security and carbon emissions: the role of economic freedom
title_full_unstemmed Energy security and carbon emissions: the role of economic freedom
title_short Energy security and carbon emissions: the role of economic freedom
title_sort energy security and carbon emissions: the role of economic freedom
topic carbon emissions
url http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/117698/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/117698/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/117698/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/117698/1/117698.pdf