Abstract
This study investigates the impact of AI innovation on environmental sustainability in the G-7 region from 2010 to 2022. Additionally, it tests the Load Capacity Curve (LCC) hypothesis in relation to financial accessibility, globalization, and urbanization. Cross-sectional dependence and slope homogeneity tests reveal the presence of cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity issues. Panel unit root and panel cointegration tests confirm that the variables are free from unit root problems and are cointegrated in the long run. To identify significant factors influencing environmental sustainability, this study employs Panel ARDL and Quantile Regression methods. Both methods confirm the LCC hypothesis in the G-7 region, demonstrating a U-shaped relationship between income and the load capacity factor. The results indicate that AI innovation and financial accessibility are significantly positively correlated with the load capacity factor, while globalization and urbanization are negatively correlated, leading to lower environmental sustainability. To validate the robustness of the Panel ARDL and Quantile Regression results, Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, Augmented Mean Group, and Common Correlated Effects Mean Group estimation approaches are applied, all of which support the initial findings. Furthermore, the D-H causality test reveals unidirectional causality from economic growth, financial accessibility, globalization, and urbanization to the load capacity factor, and bidirectional causality between AI innovation and the load capacity factor.