Greening the OECD: unravelling the complex relationship between natural resource efficiency, technological innovation and population density on ecological footprint

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the relationship among green environmental technologies, resource efficiency, population density and ecological footprint in 38 OECD member countries between 2000 and 2019. The Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQREG) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimators are used to analyse this relationship. Based on the results, strong evidence of a negative relationship between green environmental technologies, resource efficiency, population density and ecological footprint emerges, suggesting that these factors contribute to environmental improvement in OECD economies. Overall, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics among these variables and provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders striving for sustainable environmental management and policy formulation. In this context, countries should develop standard guidelines and best practices on green technologies and resource efficiency, making it easier for sectors to adapt in these areas.