What is Asymmetric Impact

The presented study analyzes the asymmetry effect of research and development (R&D) expenditures, population growth, energy consumption, and economic growth on carbon emissions in the sample of Turkey for the period 1990-2020. Nonlinear ARDL is used to control the asymmetry of the variables. Linear ARDL is used to control the long-term and short-term relationships between the variables. The findings show that there is a symmetrical or linear relationship between the variables of R&D expenditures, population growth, energy consumption, economic growth, and carbon emissions. The findings display that economic growth and R&D are effective in reducing carbon emissions, while energy consumption seems to increase carbon emissions. Interestingly, the population was found to be effective in reducing carbon emissions in the study. In order for Turkey to reach its 2050 target, it is necessary to give priority to environmental regulations and policies.