The interactional role of globalization in tourism-CO₂ nexus in South Asian countries

This research analyzes the impacts of tourism and globalization on CO₂ emissions in South Asian countries. The annual data was converted into quarterly data of 1995Q1-2016Q4. Unit root test with structural breaks confirmed mixed order of integration for sample countries. ARDL test results showed the existence of EKC between tourism and CO₂ emissions in Sri Lanka and Nepal. Globalization lowers the negative effects of tourism on CO₂ emissions in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Globalization can bring innovation in cleaner technologies, which can improve air quality in South Asian countries. Moreover, this research also confirms that GDP and energy use increase CO₂ emissions significantly in South Asia. Therefore, policymakers should consider utilizing renewable energy to improve air quality. Developing countries of South Asia are accelerating their economies by the use of fossil fuels; these countries need to bring renewable energy to the economic sectors for cleaner environment. Apart from the interactional role of globalization in the tourism sector, more attention should also be given to bring strict environmental regulations.