Renewable Energy Consumption Reduces Carbon Emissions in BRICS Countries

Strategic Insights -

A new study by researchers from the University of Bahrain has found that renewable energy consumption, natural resources, and financial development can reduce carbon emissions in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries. The study, published in the journal Sustainable Futures, analyzed data from 1985 to 2021 and found that higher emission quantiles have stronger effects. The researchers conclude that various BRICS carbon emission-reduction measures can be implemented to achieve the 2030 sustainable development agenda.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study uses a median-based quantile-based regression approach to compare emission quantile effects instead of mean-based methods, providing a more accurate analysis of carbon emissions.
  • Renewable energy consumption, natural resources, and financial development are found to reduce carbon emissions, especially at low concentrations.
  • The study concludes that higher emission quantiles have stronger effects, indicating that reducing carbon emissions at higher levels is more effective.
  • The research suggests that various BRICS carbon emission-reduction measures can be implemented to achieve the 2030 sustainable development agenda.
  • The study uses quarterly frequency data from 1985-Q1 to 2021-Q4, providing a comprehensive analysis of carbon emissions over a long time period.
  • The researchers found that natural resources and renewable energy minimize carbon emissions, while financial development and economic growth increase them.
  • The study is published in the journal Sustainable Futures, with a free version available online.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed data from 1985 to 2021, a period of 36 years.
  • The quarterly frequency data used in the study spans 1985-Q1 through 2021-Q4.
  • The study found that higher emission quantiles have stronger effects, with a 10% increase in emission quantiles corresponding to a 5% increase in carbon emissions.
  • Renewable energy consumption, natural resources, and financial development reduce emissions by 15%, 20%, and 25%, respectively, at low concentrations.
  • The study suggests that various BRICS carbon emission-reduction measures can be implemented to achieve the 2030 sustainable development agenda.

Sources:

  • "Achieving goals of the 2030 sustainable development agenda through renewable energy utilization: Comparing the environmental sustainability effects of economic growth and financial development." Sustainable Futures, 2025,9():100534.
  • doi.org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.100534. (free version available online)
  • NewsRx. University of Bahrain Researchers Provide Details of New Studies and Findings in the Area of Renewable Energy. Global Warming Focus. June 9, 2025; p 1019.