The Health Cost of Carbon: How Emissions, Urbanization, Life Expectancy and Economic Growth Shape Health Expenditures in BRICS Plus Countries

Authors

  • Agha Adnan Khan PhD Scholar, Department of Economics, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.
  • Qurab Ali Statistical Officer, Sindh Bureau of Statistics, Planning and Development Department, Government of Sindh, Pakistan.
  • Abdul Rab Gopang Statistical Officer, Sindh Bureau of Statistics, Planning and Development Department, Government of Sindh, Pakistan.
  • Dr. Imad Ali Khowaja Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/v-v.273

Keywords:

BRICS Plus, FMOLS, DOLS, Panel ARDL-PMG, Fixed , Random

Abstract

This study investigates the linkages between carbon emissions, economic growth, life expectancy, urbanization, and health expenditure in the BRICS Plus countries for the time period 2000–2023. The study employs Balanced Panel data and Panel Econometric Methods to investigate the short-run and long-run relationship amongst selected variables. Panel Unit Root tests are used to test the stationarity of the data. Panel Cointegration tests are used to find out the long-run relationship between the variables. The study employs multiple estimation techniques such as FMOLS, DOLS, Panel ARDL-PMG, Fixed Effects, and Random Effects Models to achieve reliable results. The Hausman test is used to decide which estimation model is to be selected and preferred. The results show that the variables are in a stable long-run relationship with one another. The long-run results indicate that carbon emissions and life expectancy are not associated with health expenditure. Whereas economic growth is associated with health expenditure. The Error Correction Mechanism verifies that short-run changes move towards the long-run equilibrium. The Panel Regression results show that carbon emissions and urbanization are important factors affecting health expenditure

Author Biography

  • Agha Adnan Khan, PhD Scholar, Department of Economics, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.

    Corresponding Author: [email protected]

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Published

2026-05-30

How to Cite

Khan, A. A., Ali, Q., Gopang, A. R. ., & Khowaja, I. A. (2026). The Health Cost of Carbon: How Emissions, Urbanization, Life Expectancy and Economic Growth Shape Health Expenditures in BRICS Plus Countries. The Regional Tribune, 5(5), 135-151. https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/v-v.273