THE ROLE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IN MITIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION: A PATH TO ACHIEVING SDGS FOR SOUTH EAST ASIAN ECONOMIES

Abstract

This research study examined the role of sustainable energy and digital technology in reducing environmental degradation, with a key focus on attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for South East Asian Economies. The study also examines the presence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis in the selected economies. The study will collect a panel dataset for the selected economies from 2000 to 2024. The study will apply some prerequisite diagnostic tests, such as unit root tests, descriptive statistics, VIF, and correlation analysis, to check the properties of the dataset. Furthermore, the study will use advanced econometric techniques called Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) for investigating the relationship between variables. The literature review section highlights the key trends and the potential of digital technologies and renewable energy (RE) in promoting environmental sustainability, as well as some studies on reducing environmental degradation. The study aims to investigate how these solutions can effectively mitigate environmental impacts. The findings of this study will be helpful for policymakers, investors, industries, and strategic planners in order to build an ecosystem for green technology and sustainable development. More broadly, this work highlights the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in utilizing technologies and renewable resources to meet environmental goals for the economies. Through harmonizing economic development with environmental conservation, Southeast Asia can show the world the path to a more sustainable future.