FDI inflows and carbon emissions: new global evidence

Abstract This study investigates the environmental consequences of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, focusing on their impact on carbon (CO2) emissions. The findings indicate that FDI inflows significantly contribute to increased CO2 emissions, both in total quantity and intensity. Low- and m...

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Main Authors: Phuong M. H. Pham, Tung D. Nguyen, My Nguyen, Nguyen T. Tran
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-05-01
Series:Discover Sustainability
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01292-9
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author Phuong M. H. Pham
Tung D. Nguyen
My Nguyen
Nguyen T. Tran
author_facet Phuong M. H. Pham
Tung D. Nguyen
My Nguyen
Nguyen T. Tran
author_sort Phuong M. H. Pham
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This study investigates the environmental consequences of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, focusing on their impact on carbon (CO2) emissions. The findings indicate that FDI inflows significantly contribute to increased CO2 emissions, both in total quantity and intensity. Low- and middle-income nations are disproportionately affected. Additionally, higher levels of institutional quality, financial development, and technological innovation amplify the positive relationship between FDI and emissions. This positive link can be explained by the scale effect, where increased economic activity from FDI leads to higher energy use and emissions. This study also reveals the dual role of institutional quality, financial development, and technological innovation in moderating the environmental impact of FDI. While these factors facilitate growth and attract investment, they can also result in increased emissions if sustainability is not prioritized. These findings offer meaningful implications for policymakers seeking to balance economic growth with sustainability, especially in regions vulnerable to increased emissions due to FDI. Graphical Abstract
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institution OA Journals
issn 2662-9984
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publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Springer
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series Discover Sustainability
spelling doaj-art-3e443ba3b5684c6187d41832c2ff328e2025-08-20T01:52:22ZengSpringerDiscover Sustainability2662-99842025-05-016111810.1007/s43621-025-01292-9FDI inflows and carbon emissions: new global evidencePhuong M. H. Pham0Tung D. Nguyen1My Nguyen2Nguyen T. Tran3Faculty of Finance and Banking, Academy of Policy and DevelopmentFaculty of Finance and Banking, Academy of Policy and DevelopmentInternational School, Vietnam National UniversityAcademy of Policy and DevelopmentAbstract This study investigates the environmental consequences of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, focusing on their impact on carbon (CO2) emissions. The findings indicate that FDI inflows significantly contribute to increased CO2 emissions, both in total quantity and intensity. Low- and middle-income nations are disproportionately affected. Additionally, higher levels of institutional quality, financial development, and technological innovation amplify the positive relationship between FDI and emissions. This positive link can be explained by the scale effect, where increased economic activity from FDI leads to higher energy use and emissions. This study also reveals the dual role of institutional quality, financial development, and technological innovation in moderating the environmental impact of FDI. While these factors facilitate growth and attract investment, they can also result in increased emissions if sustainability is not prioritized. These findings offer meaningful implications for policymakers seeking to balance economic growth with sustainability, especially in regions vulnerable to increased emissions due to FDI. Graphical Abstracthttps://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01292-9FDICO2 emissionsInstitutional qualityFinancial developmentAnd technological innovation
spellingShingle Phuong M. H. Pham
Tung D. Nguyen
My Nguyen
Nguyen T. Tran
FDI inflows and carbon emissions: new global evidence
Discover Sustainability
FDI
CO2 emissions
Institutional quality
Financial development
And technological innovation
title FDI inflows and carbon emissions: new global evidence
title_full FDI inflows and carbon emissions: new global evidence
title_fullStr FDI inflows and carbon emissions: new global evidence
title_full_unstemmed FDI inflows and carbon emissions: new global evidence
title_short FDI inflows and carbon emissions: new global evidence
title_sort fdi inflows and carbon emissions new global evidence
topic FDI
CO2 emissions
Institutional quality
Financial development
And technological innovation
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01292-9
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AT nguyenttran fdiinflowsandcarbonemissionsnewglobalevidence