Do ethnically diverse societies amplify the ecological footprint? Exploring the mediating role of human development
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Higher ethnic diversity is linked to a larger ecological footprint, particularly in lower-income nations. This relationship is mediated by impacts on human development, suggesting a need for inclusive conservation strategies.
Area Of Science
- Environmental Science
- Sociology
- Economics
Background
- Growing ecological footprint threatens global ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Ethnic diversity is an underexplored driver of environmental impact.
- Sustainable development goals (SDGs) 10, 12, and 13 highlight the need to balance welfare and environmental preservation.
Purpose Of The Study
- To empirically examine the relationship between ethnic diversity and ecological footprint.
- To investigate the mediating role of human development in this relationship.
- To analyze global data from 188 countries (1996-2020).
Main Methods
- Pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) and instrumental variable (IV) estimations.
- Endogeneity correction and Driscoll-Kraay standard errors.
- Panel quantile regression and heterogeneity analysis.
Main Results
- Ethnic diversity significantly increases the ecological footprint globally.
- The positive effect is more pronounced in middle- and low-income countries.
- Higher ethnic fractionalization correlates with a larger ecological footprint.
- Ethnic diversity negatively impacts human development, which escalates the ecological footprint.
Conclusions
- Ethnic diversity is a significant factor influencing ecological footprints.
- Policy interventions for sustainability must consider ethnic diversity and its socioeconomic impacts.
- Addressing the link between ethnic diversity, human development, and environmental impact is crucial for conservation efforts.