Impact of energy mix on nitrous oxide emissions: an environmental Kuznets curve approach for APEC countries

There are a limited number of studies on the estimation of environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis for nitrous oxide (N ₂ O) emissions, though it is one of the most harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) present in ambient atmosphere. In the wake of industrialization, it is necessary to understand the impact of energy consumption pattern on N ₂ O emissions and revise the energy policies accordingly. In this study, we have analyzed the impact of renewable and fossil fuel energy consumptions on N ₂ O emissions for APEC countries over the period of 1990–2015, and the analysis has been carried out following the EKC hypothesis framework. The results obtained from the study indicate the efficacy of the renewable energy solutions in having positive impact on environmental quality by helping to reduce the level of N ₂ O emissions. The policy implications derived from the results are designed while keeping the objectives of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in mind, so that the energy policies can bring forth sustainability in the economic systems in these nations.