Analyzing the Environmental Kuznets Curve by using the Ecological Footprint

Abstract

This paper presents recent data that suggest a possible existence of an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) using the aggregate environmental health indicator known as the Ecological Footprint (EF). Currently, there is no example of such EKC using EF. However, this paper suggests that previously, no country had obtained a high enough per capita income to reach the EKC turning point. Using the most current data on EF and Income, this paper concludes that only recently have a handful of countries reached the per capita income sufficient to reverse environmental degradation, and subsequently show an inverse relation between EF and Income.