In the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is grappling with a complex balancing act: fostering economic growth while transitioning to a greener future and improving public health. A recent study, published in the journal “Environmental and Sustainability Indicators,” sheds new light on the intricate relationship between renewable energy, economic growth, and life expectancy, with significant implications for the energy sector.
Led by Mohd Shahidan Shaari from the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, the research extends the Preston Curve framework to examine how renewable energy consumption influences life expectancy. The study, which analyzed annual data from 1980 to 2020, employed a non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model to capture the asymmetric effects of various factors on life expectancy.
The findings reveal that increased renewable energy use and health spending significantly boost life expectancy. However, the impact of economic growth is more nuanced, varying in both the short and long run. This reflects the non-linear trade-offs between industrial growth and environmental health.
“Conventional linear models may overlook key patterns,” Shaari explains. “Our findings emphasize the need for integrated policies that support renewable energy and increase healthcare investment to improve life expectancy in a lower-carbon economy.”
The study’s insights are particularly relevant for Malaysia, which has long relied on fossil fuels but is gradually transitioning towards renewable energy. The findings suggest that the energy sector must consider the broader implications of its operations, including public health outcomes.
The research also highlights the importance of universal health care in improving life expectancy. As the world grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this finding underscores the need for robust healthcare systems that can withstand and mitigate the impacts of public health crises.
The study’s findings have significant commercial implications for the energy sector. As the world shifts towards a greener future, energy companies that invest in renewable energy and prioritize public health may gain a competitive edge. Moreover, the research suggests that the energy sector’s impact on life expectancy could influence consumer preferences and regulatory policies, further shaping the industry’s trajectory.
Shaari’s research is a timely reminder that the transition to a greener future is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also about improving public health and ensuring economic growth. As the world grapples with the complex challenges of climate change, the energy sector must consider the broader implications of its operations and strive to create a more sustainable and equitable future.
The study, “The non-linear relationship between green technology and life expectancy,” was published in the journal “Environmental and Sustainability Indicators,” which translates to “Environmental and Sustainability Indicators.” It offers a compelling narrative for the energy sector, emphasizing the need for integrated policies that support renewable energy, increase healthcare investment, and improve life expectancy in a lower-carbon economy.