Role of education and economic growth on the CO2 emissions in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Education can play an effective role in building social responsibility in a community which can help to reduce pollution emissions. This present research investigates the effects of education, energy consumption and economic growth on CO2 emissions in Saudi Arabia using data of a period 1971-2014. We find that primary education could not affect CO2 emissions, but, secondary education has a negative effect while energy consumption has a positive effect on CO2 emissions. In the long run, an inverted U-shaped relationship is found between CO2 emissions and economic growth and Kingdom is found at first stage. Hence, economic growth is responsible for environmental degradation. We recommend to enhance the secondary education to improve the environment of the Kingdom and to use cleaner source of energy to avoid negative environmental consequences of economic growth.