Circular Harmony: Navigating Resource Efficiency in the Business Loop

Abstract

Achieving balanced progress requires addressing critical issues such as environmental sustainability, gender equality, and human development. Using a time series research design, this study analyzes data from 2000 to 2021. This study variables in this research include human development index (HDI), the women, business, and the law index (WBL), the consumption-based carbon intensity (CCI), and the gender development index (GDI). Regression analyses, including Sobel-Goodman tests, and mediation were used to assess the overall, direct, and indirect effects of HDI on CCI with and without control variables. The results show that WBL mediates the relationship between HDI and CCI when control variables are considered. CCI was significantly impacted by HDI. The direct effect of HDI on CCI was no longer significant after accounting for mediation, suggesting a trade-off between development and environmental impact. The results highlight the necessity of implementing policies that combine environmental sustainability with gender equality.