Sustainable development and human capital Online publication date: Thu, 08-Feb-2024
by Gaetano Lisi
International Journal of Sustainable Development (IJSD), Vol. 27, No. 1/2, 2024
Abstract: Recently, the academic literature has investigated the existence of a direct link between sustainable development and human capital. In following this growing body of literature, the present paper aims to formalise, and then verify, the role of human capital on environmental quality. Precisely, from a theoretical point of view, the work introduces the ecological identity into a basic growth model that is based on human capital. By increasing sensitivity and concern for environmental issues, human capital can reduce the impact of economic activity on the environment, as well as adding its positive effect on economic growth. This key assumption of the theoretical model is empirically tested through a panel analysis on 81 national economies (62 low-and middle-income economies and 19 high-income economies) over a period of more than 20 years. The paper finds a direct and positive link between sustainable development and an advanced stage of tertiary education (namely, a Master's degree or a PhD). This result could potentially be a good indicator for the future of the environment and for humankind.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Sustainable Development (IJSD):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook