The Impact of Regional Development and the Energy Transition on Air Quality

Evidence from Jalisco, Mexico

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between economic growth, energy consumption, and air pollution in Jalisco, Mexico, during the period 2003-2022. Econometric models were applied to analyze both short- and long-term effects in order to assess the influence of regional development and the impact of energy consumption on PM₁₀ emissions. Findings show no evidence of the expected inverse relationship, as per capita income maintains a positive association with pollution. However, energy consumption shows a negative effect on pollutants, suggesting that the increase in renewable energy sources contributed to a reduction in per capita emissions after 2015. These results highlight the importance of promoting regional energy policies focused on efficiency and transition to clean sources to improve environmental quality without compromising economic development. 

Keywords: renewable energy sources (1005477), air pollution (1000196), economic