Tourism, Geopolitical Risk, and Renewable Energy Consumption: Evidence on Environmental Sustainability in Five ASEAN Economies

ABSTRACT This research analyze the multifaceted influences on environmental sustainability in five ASEAN countries. We employ the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework to analyze the relationships between ecological footprint (dependent variable) and tourism arrivals, geopolitical risk, renewable energy consumption, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and GDP squared. The EKC theory asserts that an inverted U‐shaped correlation between GDP and environmental deterioration (this paper ecological footprint is the proxy). The study expect tourism arrivals, geopolitical risk, and renewable energy consumption is expected to have a reductive influence on environmental footprint, signifying their potential to contribute to environmental sustainability. The empirical outcomes confirm the of an EKC in ASEAN countries. Initially, rising GDP increases the ecological footprint, reflecting the environmental pressures driven by development. However, this trend reverses at a certain point, suggesting that further economic development or GDP squared can lead to a decline in the ecological footprint as countries prioritize environmental protection and adopt cleaner technologies. Additionally, tourists' arrivals negatively impact the ecological footprint, potentially due to increased awareness and implementation of sustainable tourism practices. Geopolitical risk also demonstrates a negative association with the environmental footprint. Finally, renewable energy consumption negatively influences ecological footprint, highlighting its role in diminishing environmental degradation. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of promoting sustainable tourism activities, fostering renewable energy adoption, and implementing targeted environmental policies alongside green economic growth strategies.