Climate legislation and global green development transition: the role of international environmental engagement and government readiness

Rapid climate shifts and rising global temperatures underscore the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study empirically examines the relationship between climate legislation and green development across countries globally from 2000 to 2021. It further investigates the moderating roles of international environmental engagement and government readiness. The findings confirm that climate legislation positively affects green development. Moreover, international environmental engagement and government readiness favorably moderate the relationship between climate legislation and green development. In regions with a higher level of green development, the impact of climate legislation on enhancing green development is more pronounced. Regarding heterogeneity, the effect of climate legislation on green development is notably positive in non-emerging countries but not significant in emerging countries. The research concludes with a range of policy recommendations based on these findings.