The Role of Gender, Renewable Energy, and Education Expenditure on Co2 Emissions: Evidence from Brics Economies

The study explores gender dynamics, renewable energy integration, education expenditure, and CO2 emissions in BRICS economies from 1998 to 2020. Employing Fisher Panel Co-integration, it uncovers interrelationships and causal links, impacting sustainable development. It identifies significant relationships through unit root tests, cross-sectional dependence assessments, and ARDL analyses. Renewable energy is vital to reducing emissions, and gender-responsive policies empower women in environmental efforts. Education spending positively correlates with reduced carbon emissions, fostering informed choices and sustainable practices. Cross-BRICS collaboration potential is highlighted, offering recommendations for renewable energy policies, gender-inclusive climate strategies, education enhancement, and regional cooperation. The study enriches academia and policymaking, guiding BRICS economies toward a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.

The convergence of nations is becoming apparent as they collaborate to develop sustainable industrial methods and establish sustainable living situations. Combating climate change has become one of the critical policy priorities in the developed and developing countries and one of the major goals among the 17 SDGs [1,2]. The statement mentioned above is supported by the existing academic research on the estimated amounts of carbon emissions for the year 2020 [3]. The Global Carbon Project reported its predictions during the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24) that took place in Katowice, Poland on December. It is necessary to note that in the case with developing economy, including for example India and China and developed countries, for example United States emissions are expected to be 2. 5% due to energy loss as the firm uses more energy. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary for governments begin the review of policy strategies in their bid to minimize the reliance on fossil-based energy. Recall the opinion of Glen Peters of the International Center for Climate Research in Oslo; he stated that there is a lack of focus on the policies that must be adopted for the abolition of fossil energy. This is a good reason to reconsider the approaches of the rich countries to the energy policies through the prism of climate change. In the second half of the twentieth century, there emerged social sensitivity to preserve the quality of the environment. This aspect has been captured in many global partnerships including the Millennium Development Goals as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. Also, certain advancements in the creation of impact assessment laws and organization of state ecological organizations can be identified [4,5]. Based on the findings of Constant and Davin (2018) and Sarti and John (2019), these institutions have been attributed to the accomplishment of playing a key role in increasing awareness on environmental degradation. Akerlof submits that three contingent factors can increase environmental awareness’s importance in responding to environmental degradation issues. Initially, it is necessary to establish a policy that facilitates the cultivation of behavioural modifications among individuals. Moreover, decision-making organizations must join majority rule inclusion forms to set up compelling arrangements. Eventually, it is essential to prioritize emphasizing instructive and value-based changes at the community level.

Besides, the later rise of corporate social responsibility increased firms' acknowledgment of their commitment to contribute to maintainable improvement [6]. This, in turn, has driven the expanded execution of maintainable hones, driven by the critical weight applied by different partners inside the company. Agreeing with Fauver the endeavors attempted by organizations to upgrade natural conditions have improved their reputation and general execution. However, it is essential to note that a disparity exists among corporations in their contribution towards sustainable development, specifically in reducing CO₂ emissions. Existing scholarly research has endeavored to elucidate the determinants that lead to corporations' heightened levels of environmental consciousness. For example, the literature review of prior studies has revealed information that the family managed firms are more committed to environmental sustainability. This increased commitment can be explained by their interest in protecting their socio emotional wealth as stated by Berrone et al. Earlier theoretical evidence has shown that the characteristics of the board of directors or ownership structure of a company determine the extent of the company’s engagement in environmental conservation initiatives [7]. Scholars have also noted the significance of the body packaging of a company’s board of directors in the decisions-making process pointing to the fact that it also determines the dominant direction of the company [8,9]. In the past years, more attention has been paid to the participation of women in occupying corporate boards as presented by Hossain [8]. Previous analyses also have found a positive relationship between board of directors’ female directors and improved environmental performance among firms [6]. It is postulated that women are more receptive to environmental issues and display more prudency, therefore, possess better recognition of climate change threats. In line with Chodorow’s gender socialization theory, given in 1978, it can be hypothesized that women are likely to care more than men for the negative effects that business may bring about to the environment. Even more important is to focus on the gender diversity of the board of directors which remains one of the most debatable issues [10]. As such, inherent limitations of the economic development model identified in the context of the BRICS countries also entail higher pollution and energy consumption. This is well illustrated by large capital outlay in conventional sources of energy and exploitative extraction of minerals. The approach in question has led to a direct impact consisting in the increase in carbon emissions and thus stabilizing of the environment pollution level which hampers the economic development. Based on the data presented in the "BP Statistical Yearbook of World Energy (2020)," it can be observed that within the group of BRICS nations, China presently exhibits the most outstanding levels of carbon emissions globally. In 2020, China's total carbon emissions constituted 28.8% of global emissions, positioning it as the most significant contributor.

On the other hand, India contributed to 7.3% of worldwide outflows, positioning it as the third most prominent emitter worldwide. The carbon outflows of three nations; Russia, Brazil and South Africa summatively amount to 4. 5%, 1. 3%, and 1. FYR Macedonia as well as Greece, 4 % and 17,32% of the global emissions, respectively. The summary of the total amount of carbon emissions from the BRICS countries was reached at 43 within the year 2020. Three percent of the normally global carbon emissions. The scientific community has appreciated and estimated carbon emissions as one of the manifestations of the deterioration of the environment and as one of the components determining climate change. This paper will explicate the correlation between the various social and economic determinants that affect the period of carbon emissions in an emerging economy like china that defines the country’s emphasis on economic growth. The fact that economic growth is positively correlated with worsening of the environment strongly depends on spatial accessibility. This theory builds on EKC which holds that there is prospect of lowering carbon emissions as the country’s economy emerges. It can be accomplished through financing renewable energy sources and solutions, construction and advancement of clean energy, and championing the production processes that release nearly negligible emissions into the environment [11]. Moreover, the countries in the first stage of EKC also show the finding that health of the relation of economic development with environmental degradation is also present as the countries show the dependency on the consumption of the fossil fuels when testing for this hypothesis at the initial stage [12]. Environmental sustainability in the development is chiefly determined by the incorporation and application of the renewable energy sources that possess the air of resource from natural means and are known to emote very low carbon footprint. Ahmad believe that sources of renewable energy are more sustainable that sources of non-renewable energy consisting of the fossil resources. They reduce the effects of the major outcomes on the developmental process of the economies of the respective nations as well as reducing the instances of destructing the environment. International trendvolves towards the diversification of green technologies for power production with a view of reducing the use of fossil fuel derived from natural resources in the future. The overall support for renewable energy for the generation of energy and emission of greenhouse gases is mainly explained by the following aspects: Here is a list of some of the energy technology; solar technology, wind technology, and hydro technology. Currently, the Chinese have stood as some of the most environmentally sustainable people globally with their investment in the environment from the year 2009 to 2019 to be about $758 billion. The mentioned investments are to help in the process of developing the green economy and encourage the initiative for green economy.

Furthermore, investing in education is essential for promoting economic development. Countries that invest in educational resources improve their human capital, leading to increased productivity, skills, and abilities within their workforce. As Raihan mentioned, the results in question have the potential to boost creativity, improve technical skills, and increase economic productivity [13]. Countries are expected to transition to a biologically sustainable and low-carbon financial system in line with the goals outlined by COP 27. Playing a major part in promoting this change is contributing to instruction. Investing in educational initiatives that focus on developing skills and knowledge in long-term sustainability, energy efficiency, climate change research, and green technology helps governments create a skilled workforce able to lead the shift to a more mindful and sustainable economy [14,15]. China has implemented many initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, including campaigns promoting carbon-free technologies. Additionally, the government has incentivized industries and businesses to develop green buildings and vehicles with reduced carbon emissions. These programs can promote environmental sustainability and facilitate long-term advancements in greener energy. (Figure 1) illustrates the patterns observed in government spending, mineral rents, and renewable energy use for the period spanning from 1988 to 2021. According to the World Bank (2022), the source is cited. This paper examines gender and its interactions with renewable energy consumption and educational expenditures on CO₂ emissions in the five BRICS countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in a period of 22 years (1998–2020). Data used in the study is from the World Bank while the dependent variable for the research is CO₂ emissions, and the independent variables are; gender representation, renewable energy consumption, and education expenditure.

All variables are expressed in logarithmic form to simplify the analysis, and the regression model used is: lnCO2t=?0+?1lnGENt+?2lnRENt+?3lnEDUt+?t

The first step performed in this study is to test for unit root to determine stationarity in the data before proceeding to the cross-sectional dependence (CD) test and the slope homogeneity (SH) test. These tests are very important so as to control for problems of endogeniety inherent in the panel data analysis, due to common factors or variables that affect the variables of distinct countries. The analysis of both long-run and short-run dynamics is accomplished with the use of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model after performing the Breitung and Fisher panel tests for stationarity and co-integration. The coefficients of the long term as shown by the ARDL model are highly significant as follows: The gender coefficient has a negative and significant effect on CO₂ emissions, the renewable energy consumption also has a negative effect on CO₂ emissions and education expenditure has mixed after effect. Through the application of the Dumitrescu & Hurlin Causality Test, the causal effects between the interrelated variables is tested. These findings provide empirical evidence towards the existence of a two-way causality between carbon emission and renewable energy consumption while confirming the unidirectional causality between education expenditure and CO₂ emission. Gender representation has a non-significant positive correlation with CO₂ emission. The contribution of this article is to provide a comprehensive investigation of gender, renewable energy, and education expenditure on carbon emissions, utilizing experimental proof from the cases considered by the nations. By analyzing the different measurements of gender flow, renewable energy adoption, and their impact on carbon emanation, together with the effect of education expenditure, this article sheds light on the complex and interrelated variables that shape natural results and identifies potential approaches to mediation that can address them. The overall structure of this work is depicted within the graph that can be found underneath. Within the taking after, we'll review the relevant writing and examine possible cures. The following part will be titled "Methodology and Data," it will provide in-depth descriptions of our approach and the data we utilized. The discussion and the conclusion comprise the two sections that come toward the end of the paper.

Literature Review

The increasing global focus on environmental sustainability and climate change has highlighted the importance of gender, education spending, and renewable energy in reducing CO2 emissions, particularly in the emerging economies of BRICS nations. This area presents a literature review of the nature of these relations and an effect of these component parts on the CO2 emission in the system of the BRICS countries. Several research papers have documented that the economic growth in the BRICS nations, China inclusive, has been high and this has brought forth serious ecological issues [16]. Standard of living which relates to GDP has assumed the central stage in determining the level of development and this incremental growth has seen the consumption of energy go up, pollution and emissions follow the same trend. The given facts, thus, reveal that China being the leading source of greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollutants in the world, is a direct result of such advancements. Environmental degradation is an extremely dangerous factor to biosphere as characterized by prolonged exercises of FDPs in different geographical regions that result to bleak climatic circumstances. According to Silva et al., 2020, the increment and deforestation observed for the agricultural division in Brazil relate immensely with the production of greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, the direct consumption of fossil energy in transports and industries has put Brazil among the most prominent emitters of Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Region. On the contrary, India has some issues in the integration of economic growth and environmental improvement which although it has been noted that attempts have been made for achieving parity in the two. Because of the absolute dependancy on coal as a fundamental power creation commodity, the nation hugely inhibits world warming and naturally decreases CO2 naturally. Discriminating on the estimative consumption of energy sources, Russia with infinite quantities of raw materials appears to have relied mainly on fossil fuels to produce the power that affected critical emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases Shmakova. These industrial endeavors of the country have fated their part in increasing the level of pollution and emits injurious gases.

Nevertheless, the nation has a relatively moderate approach with regard to the global emissions and the global emissions responsibility; however, the pressure to reduce the spewing of carbon emissions is present. This has been so especially because the country has all along depended on coal as the major source of energy in the production of electricity hence enhancing the emission of carbon dioxide. Another mixed method study that was conducted Jebli sought to examine the relationships between CO2 emission and international trade, economic development, different types of energy consumption. Moreover, the findings of this research study could also provide a direction of underlining EKC theory in addition to the realities of the international trade and energy substitutes and renewable resources as the major factors and strategies against climate change. In this context, the developed nations are more inclined to introduce cleaner technologies into the trade hence a steady variation in the level of carbon emissions in the long run. The study confirmed for a long time the two analysed variables do affect each other in a circular manner. In this paper, authors analyzed and singled out the factors influencing carbon emission independently. According to the specified authors who applied the quantitative STIRPAT model, the study aim was to assess the population, affluence and technological trends of the OECD countries in the period 1980/2011. Analyzing the data, it is possible to claim that there is the correlation between the non-renewable energy and carbon emission – it is sebeliable. On the other hand, a different pattern of change is detected regarding the renewable energy and the total carbon energy consumption rates. The study also contributes to supporting the EKC theory because of providing the relation between the levels of urbanization on the environment. The given policy directive aims at having more cities developed while at the same time wanting to use renewable energy to mitigate the climate change effects. In the study conducted by Zhu and colleagues regarding FDI, energy consumption, and Economic expansion’s effect on Carbon Emission the authors focused on ASEAN-5 countries. The empirical methodology adopted was the panel quantile regression in which it was determined that; FDI plays a crucial role in the reduction of carbon emission levels. Moreover, literature reveals that high emitting countries pass through a phase where environmental efficiency deteriorates due to economic development. By conducting the analysis, it was possible to identify the fact that the influence of several independent variables on emissions differs depending on the quantiles. Nonetheless, synchronously, other scholars engage in an analysis with FDI inflows as to assume no correlation in G20 nations with the carbon emissions, as it is interpreted by Lee. Thus, the relationship was identified between 1971 and 2009 that lower carbon emissions were associated with economic growth. The classification of G20 countries as developed may not be useful in encouraging the use of CTCs through more FDI in renewable energy provisions. Pao and Tsai’s study on FDI has indicated that there is a direct relationship between FDI and carbon emissions in BRIC countries [17]. This discovery means that the emerging economies should take a lot of precaution while accepting the FDI since they come with the strings attached or put in place the structures safeguarding the environment for such transactions. Several prior empirical investigations in literature have explored multiple directions in single-country research and international multiple countries to some extent [18].

A large amount of literature has focused on studying the environmental challenges common to BRICS countries. Therefore, there is a research demarcation on the effects of gender on environmental perception and behaviour within these countries. The study by Qamar, Zaman, and colleagues is useful in shedding light on possible relations between six gender-specific attributes and CO2 emissions in the mentioned nations above. This study is useful in elucidating the gender-related differences and possible ways of working on the possibilities of incorporating gender into environmental policies. However, it is equally important to note that the previously mentioned changes in the form of spending also raised academics’ curiosity toward whether education expenditure influence sustainable development indicators especially, emissions. Thus, there is a strong argument for continuing the analysis of the BRICS countries’ investment in education to consider the consequences of the obtained results on the environmental awareness and further implementation of sustainable practices to predict the changes in CO2 emissions. Further, there is a need to use sustainable energy for efficient reduction of global CO2 emissions. But more empirical examination is required to find out nature and contribution of this change in the context of BRICS countries’ emission reductions. Understanding the link between use of RE and emissions cut in the BRICS environment is crucial in developing relevant polices on RE. In the study conducted by Rasool, it was observed that there was growth in economic stream of China resulting in the emergence of world’s second largest economy by 2010 [19]. However, the modern model of development, which implies the availability of sufficient resources, higher energy consumption, pollution growth, and emissions, has made China the world’s leader in the emissions of greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollutants, causing several serious environmental issues. For instance, current fluctuate hazy weather is extremely observed in eastern and northeastern China. This means that the level of pollution in China is on the brink in the ecosystem realm according to Peng. It is useful to note that China has the largest emission source resulting from the generation of energy via the combustion of coal and mining industries. Currently, this nation is a principal consumer and producer of coal in the world, and the latter constantly attempts to limit the import and consumption of this fuel through competent energy policies. According to the study conducted by Liu et al., CO2 emission was evaluated and it was observed that China contributed to nearly one third of global emission in 2014 and the total CO2 emission in China seemed a very dominating figure of 12 gigatons. While production activities within these sectors produce higher emissions, consumption activities display a more manageable GHG footprint. The past ten years have witnessed China's energy sector rise as the primary generator of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Let us highlight that China has lower per capita CO2 emissions than developed and developing nations. As the OECD (2009) states, China's per capita CO2 emissions in 2007 were lower than those of the United States (19.4 tons), Russia (11.8 tons), and European countries (8.6 tons). The primary sectors in China's economy that lead to CO2 emissions are visualized.

Amid the backdrop of international environmental diplomacy and domestic environmental protection requirements, China's government has acknowledged its environmental obligations by implementing a national policy to decrease greenhouse gas emissions in the environment. China aims to achieve CO2 emission neutrality by 2060 while actively supporting the Paris Climate Agreement. China has decided to implement policies promoting technological and institutional innovation. These approaches point to upgrading the mechanical blend, setting up a low-carbon vitality framework, making strides in low-carbon transportation, and cultivating the advancement of green buildings. According to Tambo, China has set a target to realize its most significant carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by almost 2030. A proposition recommends that China extraordinarily diminish its carbon dioxide outflows per net household item (GDP) unit by 60–65% from 2005. Moreover, the suggestion involves increasing the percentage of non-fuel sources in primary energy usage by 20%, along with a goal to boost forest stock by around 4.5 billion cubic meters. As stated by Gao, the Chinese government has created strategies to promote global cooperation in different fields, such as clean energy, climate-resilient agriculture, disaster preparedness and reduction, low-carbon and intelligent cities, and environmental conservation. The need for further research on how gender, education spending, and renewable energy affect carbon dioxide emissions in BRICS countries is highlighted in the literature analysis. By thoroughly understanding how the current weaknesses are connected, this research aims to make a valuable contribution towards improving environmentally sustainable and inclusive policy frameworks.

Renewable energy consumption and CO2 emission

Climate change, and the correlated matter of global warming, is a concern that the global community is collectively combating today [20]. Regarding the quality of the environment, expansion of using renewable sources of energy (REC) is needed. Other previous research works have concentrated on establishing the relationship between renewable energy and environmental conservation alongside the improvement of economic growth. However, according to Balsalobre-Lorente and Shao regarding the index to compare the improvement of environmental conditions in the European Union, the research highlighted the role of the variables like REC and improvement of energy development suggest towards the improvement of environmental conditions. Some studied work that supports such co-relation about the consumption of renewable energy, carbon dioxide emission and sustainable development are the work of Khan. The analysis of the two tests - AMG and CCEMG show that innovation in the environment and another concept known as Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) enhance the change in the environmental quality. READ ALSO: The research was conducted by Bhattacharya P., Bassett B., Tennyson R. M., Brown M. J. with the participation of 85 countries and GMM and OLS analysis. In their work they observe that the indicated volumes of utilisation of renewable energy imply negative relation with both CO2 emissions and GDP. In order to analyze the connection between REC and environmental quality more empirical studies have also been carried out for china, MENA region, N-11 countries, EU and SA have been made by Balsalobre-Lorente, Bao and Xu, Charfeddine, Rahman & Velay [21,22]. There are countless papers on the literature that investigate the relationship between RE and CO2 emissions with regard to different countries because of the critical role of RE toward environmental conservation. That is why various methods like ARDL test, quantile-on-quantile estimator, machine learning algorithms, T-tests, spatial econometric analysis as demonstrated by Shanazi and Shabani have been applied in these studies. Thus, with the existing research literature focusing on the impact of renewable energy, there are several categorisations that are used within the current state of empirical analysis. Scientist’s present reactionary information in the first part to substantiate that there is a corresponding correlation between higher employment of renewable energy and lower production of CO2 emissions.

A study conducted by Apergis & Payne analyzed the correlation of RE and CO2 emissions of Central American countries in the year in which ranging from 1980 to 2010 [23]. The quantitative data collected was analyzed by the authors with the help of non-linear>cointegration tests and Granger causality tests specific to each regime. The conclusion that the authors of the research came up with was a 1% increase in carbon dioxide emissions coupled with a 0. From the SWOT analysis we see the organization benefiting from this aspect where it indicated that they aimed at increasing the usage of renewable energy by 22%. In turn, Bilgili discussed again the EKC theories, with regards to RE in over 17 OECD countries for 1977 to 2010. The analysts employed the methods such as the energetic ordinary least squares (OLS) and the fully adjusted OLS estimators on the data. The study proves that there is an inverse curved relationship between net HH income or GDP and CO2 emissions and RE is also found to be having negative effect on environmental depletion. Dogan and Seker (22) analyzed the effect of NRE and RE on CO2 emission of the European Union in their study. The study that was conducted adopted the conventional least squares (OLS) regression method on a board where the authors established the link between renewable energy (RE) and non-renewable energy (NRE) consumers with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. From the results it emerges that adopting RE results in reduction of CO2 emission while adopting of NRE leads to an increase in carbon emission. Further, while testing causality, the analysis comes up with the causal relationships between the variables such as renewable energy (RE) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in which RE causes CO2 emissions and at the same time CO2 emissions cause RE as well. Another research undertaken by Leito and Lorente (23) correlated EG, RE, tourism, trade and CO2 emissions in the 28 countries of the European Union.

The research employed some models in the analysis namely; panel dynamic OLS, fully modified OLS, and GMM estimators. There is also the notion that, RE, tourism and international trade decreases the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2). Thus, the stimulation of globalization around the globe and the fast adoption of the renewable power source in the territory of the European Union can mitigate consequences of the climate change. Jebli and Youssef (24) on the case of five North African countries on how RE impacts the agricultural sector and emissions of CO2 from the year 1980 to 2011. The long-term forecasts depict a positive correlation between RE to CO2 and negative correlation between agricultural activities to CO2. In the study by Bhattacharya, the impact of institutions and renewable energy on CO2 and EG in 85 countries for 1991–2012 was investigated. The analyses using GMM as well as fully modified OLS indicate that the integration of renewable energy significantly improves the level of economic growth and leads to the reduction of CO2 emissions. What a country can do to reduce its level of CO2 emissions will to a great extent depend on quality of political institutions. Zoundi conducted a study to investigate the link between RE and CO2 emissions with the case of 25 African countries for period 1980-2012. The studies used the panel cointegration method and dynamic OLS as well as fully modified OLS estimators. The analysis reveals that renewable energy turned out to be a negative factor influencing carbon dioxide emissions in both the short-term and the long-term periods. The author, thus, draws the reader’s attention to the fact that RE is possible, or valid, as a form of energy in contrast to the traditional fossil fuel energy conditioning by indicating that its likelihood is conceivable under a certain advancement. Inglesi-Lotz and Dogan conducted panel co-integration tests and grouped-mean dynamic OLS estimations to demonstrate the impact of RE and NRE consumptions for CO2 emissions in the electricity generating countries of the Big 10 SSA region in the period of 1980 to 2011. Higher consumption of non-renewal energy sources is also considered improper because it was discovered that as consumption speeds up so does the level of pollution. In this case, the causes differ significantly; renewable energy sources have a deterrent impact. Furthermore, in the course of the investigation, the inquiry unveils unidirectional causality between NRE and emissions of CO2. In the comprehensive study, Baloch pursued to assess the influences of RE, CR, and EG on the CO2 emissions in the BRICS countries throughout the period 1990 and 2015. In the Radmehr paper, the APMG estimator is used to analyze how RE influenced CO2 emissions in the BRICS nations, except for South Africa where another relationship is presented. Their research uses a concurrent spatial modelling strategy to examine the synthesis between renewable energy, economic growth and CO2 emission, for the EU countries’ period of 1995 to 2014. Their works depict a direct positive relationship between RE and CO2 flares as well as the extent of their correlation. Also, the calls for examination illustrate a mutual relationship between EG and RE.

Cointegration Test

In Table 4, we test for co-integration to check if a long-standing steady affiliation exists between the arrangements, which Fisher (1997, 2020) (Table 4). Based on the Fisher test result, at most, up to 3 are critical since p-values in this table are lower than the ordinary significance level of 0.05, which recommends solid proof of co-integration between the factors included within the show. This conclusion can be drawn from the discoveries displayed in this table. This appears to indicate that the variables are related within the long term; a basic condition model that incorporates these factors, as well as their standard fundamental variables, can be used to speak to the relationship between them viably; subsequently. All of the p-values in this table are lower than the ordinary significance level of 0.05, which proposes solid proof of cointegration between the factors included within the model. This conclusion can be drawn from the discoveries displayed in this table. It appears that the variables are related within the long term. A structural equation incorporating these factors and their standard fundamental components can viably speak to their relationship.

The Autoregression Distributed Lag (ARDL) model

The ARDL test can be used for variables that are stationary (I(0)), non-stationary (I(1)), or a mix of the two. The ARDL model has the capability to incorporate both exogenous and endogenous variables. Although the ARDL model focuses on short-term relationships, the ECM is able to analyze long-term relationships. In cases where all variables are cointegrated, the VECM can be utilized to analyze the long-term relationship. Here is an instance of the parametric equation employed in the ARDL model.

Where:

·         ? denotes the first difference of the variable

·         p,q,r,s are the optimal lag lengths for the dependent and independent variables.

·          is the constant term.

·         are the short-run coefficients.

·          are the long-run coefficients.

·         is the error term.

·          is the error correction term representing the long-run equilibrium deviation.

The table displays the findings of the employed ARDL approach for long-run as well as short-run coefficients between the concerned variables. In this case, the dependent variable is the logarithm of CO₂ emission (lnCO₂) since the theories outlined above suggest that. The results of table 5 show that shows that increase in gender representation in national parliaments leads to increase in CO₂ emissions (Table 5). Till now, some research publications (e. g., Erdem) reveal that increased gender diversity is associated with better environmental policies and less emission, which is contradictory to the report [24]. Such a difference might be attributable to the difference in method used in the two studies, the time frame in which the samples were taken or the geographical locations of the samples. LEDU is found to be negative and significant in the long-run indicating that increasing education expenditure decreases CO₂ emissions in the long run. As identified in the prior section and corroborated by Shahbaz, capital expenditure on education has a positive ripple effect on Environmental Quality by reducing greenhouse gases emissions. This correlation with the current study indicates a strong positive nature of education to environmental results. This conclusion is in harmony with the negative and highly significant coefficient of the variable LREN which confirms that the higher usage of renewable resources, the bigger effect is in reducing of CO₂ emission. Several papers (for example, Sadorsky, Apergis and Payne) have substantiated these findings by underlining the role of renewable energy in combating CO₂ emissions [25]. This consistency of renewable energy policies supports the current study as it underlines the efficiency of the subjects under analysis. Consequently, the findings of the ARDL model re-establish some profound long-run and short-run relationship between the variables in the model. The results highlight how gender representation, education spending, and renewable energy use impact CO₂ emissions. When contrasting these findings with those in other academic articles, there are both similarities and differences, indicating possible topics for future research. Policymakers must grasp these dynamics in order to create successful plans for sustainable development and environmental preservation (Table 5).

After establishing the long-term co-integration between InCO₂ and InGEN, InREN, and InEDU, it becomes possible to investigate the causal relationship among these variables. The Table's DH causality findings indicate a mutual causal relationship between carbon emission, gender, renewable energy, and education expenditure. Therefore, gender causes carbon emission; there’s a neutral causal relationship between gender and carbon emission. There’s a one-way or unidirectional relationship moving from renewable energy to carbon emission, and carbon emission also cause by renewable energy because it’s significant. There’s a neutral causal relationship between Education expenditure and carbon emission. Education expenditure does not cause renewable energy; therefore, it’s insignificant. Carbon emission causes education expenditure; there’s a one-way or unidirectional relationship moving from education expenditure to carbon emission [26-36].

This study has explored the relationship between gender, renewable energy, education expenditure, and CO₂ emissions in the economies of the BRICS nations. Using an advanced panel data model encompassing the period from 1998 to 2020, we have successfully uncovered profound insights of utmost importance for formulating sustainable policies and promoting global environmental stewardship. The findings conclude that:

Long-run Relationships

Gender Representation (LGEN) and CO₂ Emissions

Positive Impact: The sign of the coefficient is positive, this means that the higher the proportion of women in national parliaments, the higher the CO₂ emissions. The first potential source refers to the greater level of representation of women which can be translated to higher development or industrialization of countries and thus higher emission levels. On the other hand, it could be the result of the overlapping of policies where the positive effect of raising women’s quota is not directly felt through a decrease in emissions.

·    Policy Implications: This indicates that although it is effective to fight for gender equality or women’s rights, it should be complemented by sound environmental activities that will lead to Green House Gas Emissions.

Education Expenditure (LEDU) and CO₂ Emissions

·   Negative Impact: The negative demeanor of the coefficient further reiterated the postulation that increased education expenditure resulted to decreased CO₂ emission. This can be easily understood as the role of education which raises awareness about the environment and results in the use of sustainable solutions and technologies. Education can also encourage the use of green technologies in education and advocate for polices that reduce emissions.

·  Policy Implications: The findings of the current study seem to suggest that increasing spending on education is another sure way of decreasing emission proving that there is need to support and fund education especially environmental education.

Renewable Energy Consumption (LREN) and CO₂ Emissions

·    Strong Negative Impact: The coefficient for renewable energy consumption shown by negative value and its absolute value strikingly higher than that of all other variables confirm the important part that it plays in lessening the CO₂ emissions. Promoting the use of renewable energy decreases the dependency on fossil energy sources and has the exact positive impact on emissions.

·    Policy Implications: Thus, the further development of renewable energy programs and sponsorships in technologies that increase the generation of renewable energy supplies.

Short-run Relationships

Gender Representation (D(LGEN))

·    Negative Impact: Therefore, in the short run the gender representation affects the CO₂ emissions in a negative way implying that immediate policy changes due to increased female participation might actually be beneficial to the environment.

·    Policy Implications: Gender parity in the governance, structures and institutions can be used to pass fast policy reforms on the environment within as short a time as possible as the advantages that accrued from the adoption and implementation of gender sensitive policies indicate.

Education Expenditure (D(LEDU)) and Renewable Energy Consumption (D(LREN))

·    Insignificant Impact: The lagged variables for education expenditure, and renewable energy consumption’s signs are insignificant in the short run, suggesting that their impact on CO2 emissions cannot be detected in the estimated lag order.

·    Policy Implications: The likely value of education, investments in renewable energy sources might not be realized in the short-term, indicating the advantages of protracted long-term polices.

Besides, academic debate, the contribution of this research can influence policy, bring change to the existing social paradigms and promote the development that is conscious and sustainable regarding the ecological environment. When focusing on the parameters that should be compared within the framework of the BRICS countries cooperation, it is important to take into account such aspects as gender issues, renewable sources of energy, expenditures on education, and emissions of greenhouse gases. Through the analysis of these aspects, a rather broad picture of possible outcomes is provided, as each factor contributes to creating a brighter future. Thus, the analysis based on the panel dataset, which covers the years 1998-2020, has given valuable practical information, revealing our course and pointing to a shared dream towards the idea of sustainable development to become not only the concept of existence but also existence itself.

Omitted Variable Bias

While conducting a comparative analysis of the countries’ CO2 emissions, the study fails to consider other factors that could likely affect the emissions and include political stability of a country, levels of economic development, and international trade among others. For instance, political stability affects the efficiency of policy implementation while the stage of economic development influences industrial doing and emission.

Data Limitations

Some of the challenges affecting the analysis are that the figures used come from the World Bank for the years 1998–2020 only; the quality of information uploaded to in the World Bank database may not be very high; it covers only a 23-year period that might not be sufficient to capture all the fluctuations. This means that the results got from the use of this model can be occasionally influenced by the quality of the data fed into it.

Model Specification

There is the question of the certain lag lengths and the specifics of the construction of the ARDL model. This was using a model that was slightly different than the one in the class where different model specifications or adding more variables could lead to other results.

Generalizability

BRICS countries are selected for the purpose of the study and, therefore, the study may not be applicable to the other countries with different so-cio-economic and political development.

Causality

Therefore, although the ARDL model can effectively determine long-run and short-run linkages, it cannot assert causality. The variables and CO2 emission could be reciprocal where two variables are equally affecting each other and this will cause reverse causality.

The paper offers useful information on the connections between gender consideration, education spending, and precious energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The results stated that a broad and multiple approach to the issue should be implemented taking into account such aspects as socio-demographic indicators. The future studies should limit this by including more variables and covering other areas to increase the credibility of the research findings. It becomes crucial to identify the big picture and the processes in order to develop and implement proper approaches to address the climate change and to build sustainability.

Further research may build on the current study and investigate the subject by focusing on the effects of gender representation, consumption of renewable energy, and pron Satoshi Nakamoto Characteristics of Investing in Education: An International Analysis, money spent in some other countries or territories, which do not come under the bracket of BRICS countries. Such comparative analyses would help to obtain a more comprehensive picture as to how these variables could be associated with CO2 emissions different in socio-economic and political contexts. But it would be reasonable to assume that extending the list of other conditions in relations to the given environmental factors: political stability of the nations, their advance in economy, involvement in foreign trade, etc., can give the best insights into the complexity of the processes that govern environmental conditions. The relations as can be seen in the following chapters, are dynamic, capturing changes in the course of these relations could also help in estimating long run diagnostics as well as efficiency of the various policies could be established. Consequently, by increasing the range of the facilities of the research approaches and deepening the analysis of the material, the further work is capable of providing the impulse to the further development of more suitable practices in contrast to the global tendencies towards sustainability.

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