Work

Energy factors affecting environmental sustainability in Poland: Implications for technology revolution 6.0

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Environmental sustainability has become a major challenge for Poland due to its continued reliance on fossil fuels, rising energy demand, and the need to meet European Union climate objectives in the era of Technology Revolution 6.0. This study aims to investigate the dynamic relationships among electricity consumption, fossil fuel consumption, foreign direct investment (FDI), gross domestic product (GDP), trade openness, and environmental pollution in Poland. Annual data covering the period 2000–2023 were collected from the World Bank, the International Energy Agency (IEA), UNCTAD, and the Global Carbon Atlas. The study employs the Vector Autoregression (VAR) framework, Johansen cointegration analysis, and Granger causality tests to examine both the dynamic interactions and causal relationships among the variables. The empirical findings reveal that fossil fuel consumption is the principal driver of environmental degradation in Poland, while electricity consumption and economic growth contribute significantly to rising CO 2 emissions. The results further indicate that trade openness exerts mixed effects on environmental quality, whereas the impact of FDI depends on the nature and sectoral composition of investments. Granger causality results confirm significant causal relationships running from electricity consumption, fossil fuel consumption, GDP, and trade openness to environmental pollution. The findings also suggest that Poland's heavy reliance on coal remains a major obstacle to achieving sustainable development and meeting EU climate commitments. The study provides important policy implications. Poland should accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, modernize its energy infrastructure with digital and smart technologies, attract environmentally responsible FDI, and strengthen environmental regulations. These measures are essential for balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and ensuring a successful transition toward a low-carbon economy in the context of Technology Revolution 6.0.

Source: Environmental and Sustainability Indicators

DOI: 10.1016/j.indic.2026.101580

Authors: Ngoc Xuan Vu, Thi Lan Anh Nguyen, Huong Giang Luong, Xuan Hoa Pham, Thi Thu Trang Nguyen

Institution: National Economics University

Language: English

Topic: Energy, Environment, Economic Growth

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,350