Özet:

The objective of this study is to investigate the existence of Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis for different income groups. For this purpose, empirical models have been applied for 83 countries in five income groups for the years from 1981 to 2001. In order to test the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis panel unit root, cointegration and estimation methods are used. Results indicate that the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis is invalid. This situation invalidates the policies which assert that environmental pollution decreases with income growth. Findings reveal that active policies must be implemented in order to decrease environmental pollution.

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