The Relationship Between Economic Growth and Environmental Degradation in Libya: An Econometric Study Based on the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis (1990–2020)

Abstract

This study aimed to measure and analyze the impact of economic growth (represented by GDP per capita) on environmental pollution (represented by carbon dioxide emissions) in Libya for the period (1990–2020) by testing the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. To achieve this objective, the study utilized the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The results confirmed the validity of the hypothesis, revealing an inverted U-shaped relationship between the two variables. A turning point and a downward trend in emissions were observed starting around 2006, followed by sharp fluctuations and further declines due to political and security crises post-2011. Based on these findings, the study recommended adopting green economy transition policies, facilitating the import of clean technologies, and enforcing environmental legislation.