Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Abolghasem Golkhandan ¹
• Somayeh Sahraei ²

¹ Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Administrative, Lorestan University, Khoram Abad, Iran

² Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Administrative, Science and Research Branch Khuzestan University, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Expand the usage of Internet and consequently reducing the digital divide between developing and developed countries, shows the study of effect this variable on the energy consumption and air pollution in developing countries is important. In this regard, the main objective of this paper is to examine the impact of the Internet's influence on energy consumption and CO₂ emission in Iran Using time series data 1995-2016. The results using co-integration five-step Johansson (1992) method showed a positive impact of Internet on the per capita energy consumption in the long term. A one percent increase in the number of Internet users (per 100 people), in the long run, increase the per capita energy consumption in Iran by 0.19 percent. Accordingly, the move to the policies and programs that take advantage of the Internet to reduce energy consumption in the country is essential. Also, the long-term impact of the Internet on air pollution is positive, but it is negligible. So that a one percent increase in the number of Internet users (per 100 people), in the long run, increase the level of CO₂ emissions in the country by about 0.06 percent. Accordingly, it can be said that the increase in Internet usage is not a serious threat to air pollution in Iran.

Keywords

• Internet
• Energy Consumption
• Air Pollution
• Johansson Method
• Iran

Main Subjects

• Environmental Economics