PM2.5 Neutrality goals: the role of government strengthen and digitalization in BRICS Countries

The present empirical analysis takes into account a panel of BRICS data between 2000 and 2022 to probe the influence and the extent of digitalization (DIG), economic growth (GDP), governance (GOV), and renewable energy (RE) with PM2.5 air pollution in BRICS. Under the examination, the panel is investigated for numerous diagnostic tests where we confirmed a long-run co-integration among the studied variables. The econometric technique of the Method of Moment Quantile Regression (MMQREG) analysis supports that GDP is inimical, conversely, digitalization (DIG), renewable energy (RE), and effective governance (GOV) illustrate heterogeneous influences on PM2.5 air pollution. Moreover, the robustness test of the Robust Least Square (RLS) Fully-Modified (OLS), and Dynamic (OLS) confirms and validates the prior outcomes of the Method of Moment Quantile Regression (MMQREG) method. The results indicate that, with the exception of GDP, the explanatory factors effectively reduce PM2.5 air pollution in BRICS countries. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the BRICS member state should give top priority to the development of green and sustainable energy and enhance digitalization (DIG) by importing high-tech solutions. This approach would alleviate the burden on environmental quality. Additionally, the presence of effective governance will play a crucial role in coordinating various institutions, thereby maximizing the benefits derived from the deployment of renewable energy sources.