The study investigates how forest plantation, renewable energy, GDP, and technological innovation affect CO emissions across nine regions in New Zealand from 2006 to 2019, using a pooled mean group methodology.
Findings indicate that while increased forest areas can lower CO emissions over time, their short-term effects are minimal; in contrast, non-renewable energy consumption consistently drives up emissions.
The research highlights that Manawatu-Whanganui and Gisborne are key areas for forest planting to help reduce emissions, urging New Zealand to enhance forest management and renewable energy use for better environmental outcomes.