Impact Assessment of Economic Inequality and Environmental Pollution Exposure in Developing Countries

Abstract

This study examines the impact of economic inequality and environmental pollution exposure in developing countries. Economic inequality has increasingly become a major socio-economic challenge that influences environmental quality and the distribution of environmental risks among populations. The study investigates whether disparities in income distribution contribute to unequal exposure to environmental pollutants such as air pollution and industrial emissions in developing economies. The study adopts a quantitative research design using panel data from selected developing countries over a specified period. Secondary data were obtained from international databases, including the World Bank and other global environmental databases. The analytical techniques employed include correlation and panel regression analyses, the Hausman specification test, and diagnostic tests to ensure the reliability of the model. The empirical findings reveal that economic inequality has a positive and statistically significant effect on environmental pollution exposure. The results also show that economic development tends to reduce pollution exposure, while urbanization and population density contribute to increased environmental pollution levels. The study concludes that economic inequality plays a significant role in shaping environmental outcomes in developing countries.  The study recommends the implementation of inclusive economic policies, stronger environmental regulations, and sustainable urban planning strategies to reduce environmental pollution exposure in developing countries.