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

Articles in Press

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

Background and Objective: This study investigates the economic and environmental factors affecting carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in Iran, considering the role of tourism, renewable energy, and economic growth. Given the increasing challenges posed by climate change and the rise in greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), the primary objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between tourist arrivals, fossil and renewable energy consumption, economic growth, financial development, gross fixed capital formation, and population with CO₂ emissions in Iran.

Methodology: Annual data from 1990 to 2023 were collected and analyzed using unit root tests and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. This method enables the examination of both short-term and long-term impacts of the variables on CO₂ emissions.

Findings: The results indicate that tourist arrivals and fossil energy consumption have a positive and significant effect on CO₂ emissions, whereas the use of renewable energy can help reduce these emissions. These findings suggest that the development of tourism, without considering the type of energy consumption, can lead to increased environmental pollution.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of developing renewable energy infrastructure in the tourism industry. Additionally, the results can assist policymakers in designing effective strategies to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.

Innovation and Originality: The main innovation of this study lies in the use of the ARDL model to analyze dynamic relationships among the variables and simultaneously examine both short-term and long-term effects.

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Main Subjects

Journal of Tourism Planning and Development

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 31 August 2025

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