Abstract

This paper explores the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis within East and Southeast Asia. The analysis, drawing on OECD and World Bank data, investigates how economic growth correlates with environmental indicators amid intense global trade and integration into global value chains. The findings indicate that while GDP growth and increased energy consumption initially raise emissions, higher integration in global value chains and high-tech sectors can mitigate these effects. The study emphasizes the role of technological innovation and energy efficiency, advocating for policies that foster economic growth alongside environmental sustainability. The results contribute to understanding how to align economic objectives with ecological sustainability in a highly interconnected global economy.