Impact of Environmental Degradation on Life Expectancy: Evidence from Asia

Abstract

This study aims to examine the factors influencing life expectancy, which has been a key subject of economic research in both developed and developing nations. One critical factor contributing to variations in life expectancy across countries is the degradation of environmental quality. Environmental degradation, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change, significantly impacts public health and, consequently, life expectancy. In nations with high levels of environmental pollution, such as poor air quality or unsafe water, life expectancy tends to decrease due to the harmful effects on health. For developing countries, rapid industrialization and urbanization, coupled with insufficient environmental safeguards, have exacerbated these challenges. These nations often experience higher exposure to pollutants like particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and other harmful emissions. On the other hand, many developed countries have enforced stricter environmental regulations and adopted cleaner technologies, which contribute to better environmental conditions and longer life expectancy. However, environmental quality is just one of the factors that affect life expectancy. Socioeconomic factors, such as income, healthcare access, education, and nutrition, also play significant roles. The relationship between these factors is complex, with environmental degradation often being one of the most prominent contributors, especially in low- and middle-income countries that may lack resources for effective pollution control and healthcare. This study, therefore, seeks to analyze how environmental quality affects life expectancy, exploring the role it plays in the differences observed across countries. In developed countries such as the United States and Japan, life expectancy tends to be higher compared to that of individuals living in developing countries like India and Bangladesh. This disparity can often be attributed to various ecological and environmental factors, which have a significant impact on public health. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between human life expectancy and environmental factors in emerging Asian economies. By focusing on these countries, the research seeks to understand how environmental quality, such as air pollution, water quality, and climate change, influences the health and longevity of populations in these rapidly growing regions. This study employs panel data from 2000 to 2021, covering Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. The research highlights that human life expectancy in these emerging Asian countries is increasingly threatened by the adverse effects of the growing ecological footprint and climate change. The findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers in these nations, emphasizing the importance of pursuing sustainable development practices. The study advocates for strategies that improve human life expectancy while simultaneously minimizing the ecological footprint, providing a model for other nations to follow in their efforts to balance growth and environmental preservation.