Trilateral association between SO₂/NO₂ emission, inequality in energy intensity, and economic growth: A case of Indian cities

Interaction between environmental degradation and economic growth is a growing matter of interest among policymakers. This paper examines the trilateral association between SO₂ and NO₂ emission, inequality in energy intensity, and economic growth by using simultaneous-equation panel data models for a panel of 139 Indian cities over the period 2001–2013. Our results indicate that there is evidence of feedback hypothesis between NO₂ and SO₂ emissions and economic growth, economic growth and inequality in energy intensity, and NO₂ and SO₂ emissions and inequality in energy intensity. The results also verified the existence of Environmental Kuznets curve for both of the pollutants. These results are of interest to environmental and economic policymakers as these can help in coming up with economic policies to ensure environmental sustainability and an inclusive economic growth.