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Intelligence and its effects on environmental decline: A worldwide analysis.
Kazeem B Ajide1, Olorunfemi Y Alimi2, Simplice A Asongu3
1Department of Economics, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
Higher intelligence quotient (IQ) correlates with increased carbon emissions and ecological demand, challenging assumptions about cognitive abilities and environmental stewardship. Fostering a "delay discounting culture" is crucial for effective environmental policy and sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Economics
- Psychology
Background:
- The relationship between cognitive abilities and environmental impact remains underexplored.
- Understanding how intelligence quotient (IQ) influences environmental degradation is critical for policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between IQ and environmental indicators like carbon emissions and ecological demand.
- To analyze the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis in relation to IQ and environmental quality.
- To inform environmental policy and stewardship through empirical evidence.
Main Methods:
- Statistical analysis of data from 147 nations (2000-2017).
- Application of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Two Stage Least Squares (2SLS), and Iteratively Weighted Least Squares (IWLS).
- Control for relevant variables influencing environmental outcomes.
Main Results:
- An unexpected positive correlation was found between IQ and carbon emissions.
- A similar positive association was observed between IQ and ecological demand.
- The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis showed variations across different pollutants, influenced by governance and international agreements.
Conclusions:
- Human intelligence may be linked to higher environmental impact, contrary to some expectations.
- Governance and international cooperation are key factors in mitigating emissions.
- Adopting a "delay discounting culture" is recommended for effective environmental problem-solving and achieving sustainability goals.
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