Exploring the Drivers of Ecological Sustainability: Insights From the World's Top SDGs Performers

ABSTRACT This article investigates the impact of climate technologies, financial inclusion, renewable energy, and economic growth on the environmental sustainability of the five world's top the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) performers. Utilizing a newly compiled panel dataset, the analysis employs the load capacity factor as a proxy for environmental sustainability and estimates robust CS‐ARDL models. The findings suggest a U‐shaped association in which economic growth initially harms environmental quality but eventually improves it, supporting the Load Capacity Curve hypothesis. Climate technologies (linked to SDG 9), renewable energy use (linked to SDG 7), and financial inclusion (linked to SDG 8) have significant and positive long‐term impacts on environmental sustainability. These outcomes highlight the importance of technological progress, clean energy deployment, and inclusive financial systems in enhancing environmental quality. Interpreted within the broader theoretical perspectives of the Porter Hypothesis and Eco‐Innovation Theory, the findings suggest that innovation‐oriented and financially supportive environments can contribute to improved ecological outcomes. Overall, the study demonstrates that technological advancement, renewable energy expansion, and inclusive finance are key to achieving climate action (SDG 13) in high‐performing sustainable economies, and it offers policy insights for countries pursuing similar development paths.