La relation entre technologies vertes, développement financier et empreinte écologique : analyse empirique par le modèle ARDL (2000 – 2024)

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the ecological footprint (EF), financial inclusion (FI), green finance (GF), renewable energy consumption, and economic growth in Algeria using an ARDL model over the period 2000–2004. The findings reveal the existence of a long-run relationship between green finance and the ecological footprint. By promoting the energy transition and the adoption of clean technologies, green finance contributes to reducing pollutant emissions and enhancing environmental sustainability. The results also show that financial inclusion, measured by credit to the private sector, increases the ecological footprint in both the short and long run, as credit expansion stimulates economic activity, production, and consumption, thereby intensifying pressure on natural resources. Furthermore, GDP has a positive and statistically significant effect on the ecological footprint, indicating that economic growth is associated with increased natural resource consumption and pollutant emissions, although the relatively small magnitude of the coefficients suggests a gradual improvement in environmental efficiency. Finally, renewable energy consumption has a negative and statistically significant effect on the ecological footprint. By gradually replacing fossil fuels, renewable energy helps reduce pollutant emissions, dependence on fossil fuels, and pressure on natural resources, thereby strengthening the ecological transition and promoting long-term environmental sustainability.