Environmental Sustainability, Institutions, and Inclusive Growth in MINT Countries: Pathways to Achieving SDG 13- Climate Action

Devising pathways to achieving SDG-13 in MINT becomes crucial as the economies are positioned to become a powerful force in trade and growth due to their dominant geographic and demographic structures. While the economies are focused on driving inclusive growth, there remains a concern about how quality institutions could shape their achievement of environmental sustainability. Based on the sustainable development framework, data were obtained on key variables from 2000 through 2023. Environmental sustainability, inclusive growth, and institutions were proxied with the SDG-13 performance index, human capital index, and institutional quality index, respectively. The institutions were further decoupled into political, economic, and governance. Using the PSCE estimator to analyze the dataset, the findings show that (i) Inclusive growth frustrates environmental sustainability. (iii) All the institutional dimensions dampen the influence of inclusive growth on environmental sustainability. Amongst the recommendations is that the regulators pay particular attention to strengthening institutional dynamics in MINT countries by ensuring a system of transparency, accountability, and political stability to enhance public trust in the inclusive growth policies. Also, policy actors should ensure that inclusive growth policies are eco-friendly by initiating policies and programs that could raise citizens’ awareness on the adoption of sustainable practices. The findings of this study are highly relevant to broader sustainable development goals. Strengthening political, economic, and governance institutions (SDG 16) promotes transparency and accountability in implementing climate-related projects (SDG 13). Similarly, integrating renewable energy investments (SDG 7) and fostering inclusive employment opportunities in green sectors (SDG 8) can reinforce both environmental and social dimensions of sustainability. Institutional efficiency also underpins innovation-driven industrialization (SDG 9), supporting a circular and low-carbon economy in MINT countries.