Assessing the Impact of Carbon Emission, Health Expenditure, IMR and GDP On Life Expectancy in India: Using Cointegration Approach

Abstract

The present study seeks to find out the impact of carbon emission, economic growth, infant mortality rate, and health expenditure on life expectancy as a measure of health in the Indian context for the period of 2000 to 2020. This paper uses ADF and KPSS tests to check data stationarity and the ARDL model to check cointegration among the aforementioned variables. ARDL test confirms cointegration between the variables and establishes a long-run impact of carbon emissions, infant mortality rate (IMR), health expenditure, and economic growth on life expectancy in India. The study confirms the nexus between life expectancy and carbon emission. It also indicates a positive relationship between life expectancy and economic growth. Further, the negative value of the cointegration coefficient reveals the convergence of the model which means the model is stable. The study shows a way for policymakers to design policies that reduce carbon emissions through the use of green and sustainable energy which can help in the improvement of health indicators. It can act as a torch-bearer for policymakers while formulating policies related to health and the environment.