Analyzing Economic and Environmental Factors Affecting Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Iran: The Role of Tourism, Renewable Energy, and Economic Growth

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Economic Development and Planning, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Master's Student, Department of Economics, Development and Planning, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

Context and purpose: This study examines the impact of tourism on decarbonization and environmental sustainability in Iran and analyzes the role of renewable energies in this process. Given the growing challenges posed by climate change and increasing greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), the main objective of the study is to analyze the relationship between tourist arrivals, fossil and renewable energy consumption, economic growth, financial development, gross fixed capital formation, and population on CO2 emissions in Iran.
Design/methodology/approach: Annual data from 1990 to 2023 were collected and analyzed using unit root tests and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models. This method allows for the examination of both the short-term and long-term effects of the variables on carbon emissions.
Findings: The results indicate that tourist arrivals and fossil energy consumption have a positive and significant impact on CO2 emissions, while the use of renewable energy can help reduce these emissions. These findings indicate that tourism development, regardless of the type of energy consumption, can lead to increased environmental pollution.
Conclusion: The results of the study underscore the importance of developing renewable energy infrastructure in the tourism industry. They can also help policymakers in designing effective strategies to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.
Originality/value: The main innovation of the study is the use of the ARDL model to analyze the dynamic relationships between variables and simultaneously examine short-term and long-term effects.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Tourism Planning and Development
Volume 14, Issue 55
December 2025
Pages 143-166

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