A further inquiry into the Pollution Haven Hypothesis and the Environmental Kuznets Curve

摘要: Abstract Empirical research on the relationship between economic growth and its impact environment often tests Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), a hypothesis that rising national output leads to increases in pollution emissions until an economy reaches certain size, decreases thereafter. This paper addresses branch of EKC literature focused role international trade plays shaping this relationship. In particular, we test Pollution Haven Hypothesis, which posits emission reductions observed developed nations are partly result shifting “dirty” production developing with lax environmental standards. We estimate EKCs for seven oft-studied pollutants find little evidence havens play significant EKC. also confidence intervals around turning points very wide, including values well above range data. us be skeptical optimistic view naturally improvements quality.