The Impact of Textile and Clothing Export on Environmental Quality in Bangladesh: An ARDL Bound Test Approach

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of Textile and clothing (T&C) exports on environmental quality in Bangladesh’s economy. The fact that Bangladesh’s clothing industry is one of the biggest T & C exporters in the world, justifies the importance of environmental evaluation in the case of Bangladesh’s T&C. In this regard, this study has used the yearly time series data of T&C sector exports, CO2 per capita, and ecological footprint per capita (EF) as a measure of environmental quality measurement from 1983 to 2019. The empirical investigation is carried out by applying the Autoregressive distribution lag model (ARDL) method. The findings of the study have identified the significant impact of the T&C industry on the environment of Bangladesh. The empirical findings demonstrate that T&C exports have made a significant positive contribution to environmental degradation in Bangladesh (both CO2 and EF). The study recommended that policymakers can introduce environmentally friendly ways of production. To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, one should start a cleaner production while taking energy consumption and economic growth into account. Hence, the policy focuses on improving various aspects of production, especially green manufacturing to mitigate the adverse effect of the industry on the environment.

Keywords

• textile & clothing, co2 emissions, ecological footprint, ardl