Green investment, renewable energy capacity and climate policy: an econometric analysis of sustainable development in Brazil, Canada, China and India (2005–2023)

Purpose: This study analyses how green investment, renewable energy capacity and climate policy influence gross domestic product (GDP), employment and CO₂ emissions in Brazil, Canada, China and India (2005–2023). Design/Methodology/Approach: A deductive explanatory strategy is utilised. Autoregressive integrated moving average and system generalised method of moments are applied to annual panel data to estimate the short- and long-run effects. Findings: Renewable energy investment increases GDP and the short-run effect is negative. Climate policy is growth friendly but has limited employment effects. Originality/Value: New empirical evidence on growth and environmental trade-offs that can guide sustainable policy choices. Practical Implications: Green investment and policy can foster growth despite transitioning difficulties. Governments need to assist in clean energy transitions without hurting employment. Keywords: Green Investment, Renewable Energy Capacity; Climate Policy; GDP; Employment; CO₂ Emissions; Panel Data. Citation: Knio, M. S. E. D. and Balikel, A. E. (2026): Green Investment, Renewable Energy Capacity and Climate Policy: An Econometric Analysis of Sustainable Development in Brazil, Canada, China and India (2005–2023). World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development (WJEMSD), Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 227-244.