The effects of cultural factors on life expectation and environmental pollution: case of G-7 countries

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of cultural factors on environmental pollution and life expectancy in G-7 countries by using panel data analysis method with annual data from 1997-2019. Materials and Method: In this study, the effects of cultural factors on life expectancy and environmental pollution in G-7 countries are analyzed using two different models. While environmental pollution and life expectancy are the dependent variables of two separate models, cultural factors are included in the model as independent variables. In addition, real income, urbanization and energy consumption are included as control variables in the models. In the analysis of the study, firstly, the existence of horizontal cross-sectional dependence in the variables and the model was tested and according to the results of this test, the stationarity of the series was tested with the CIPS (Cross-Sectionally Augmented IPS) unit root test. According to the PMG-ARDL (Pooled Mean Group/AR Distributed Lag Models) estimator test results, long and short-run forecasts are made and finally, Panel causality test is conducted to examine the causality relationship between the variables. Results: In the PMG-ARDL estimator results of the study, it was concluded that the increase in cultural factors, real income and urbanization will increase life expectancy in G-7 countries in the long run in Model I. In Model II, it was concluded that the increase in cultural factors in the G-7 countries in the long term will reduce environmental pollution, but urbanization and energy consumption will increase environmental pollution. When the probability values are examined according to the Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality results; It has been concluded that there is a one-way causality relationship towards energy consumption, cultural factors, CO2 emissions and urbanization. It has been determined that there is a one-way causality relationship from CO2 emissions to real income. Moreover, it was concluded that there is a unidirectional causality relationship from cultural factors and urbanization to CO2 emissions. Finally, according to the Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality analysis results, there is a causal link between many variables in the models established within the scope of the thesis. Conclusion: While there are a limited number of studies in the literature on the relationship between cultural factors and the environment, there are almost no studies examining the impact of cultural factors on life expectancy. This study, which uses the country group and current econometric models, is expected to contribute to the literature. In addition, we believe that the results of this analysis will be useful for policy makers and decision makers. Keywords: Cultural factors, Environmental pollution, G-7 countries, Life expectancy, Real income.