This study utilizes the PM2.5 variable, which is recognized as a significant determinant of contemporary climate change. This research examines the impact of air cargo, tourism income, and GDP on PM2.5 levels in the 16 member countries of EUROCONTROL. EUROCONTROL is an organization that was created to facilitate the development of a pan-European Air Traffic Management (ATM) system by coordinating the efforts of all aviation stakeholders in Europe. The analysis covers the period from 1990 to 2019 and employs ARDL coefficient estimation and Granger Causality testing methods. Based on the findings of the ARDL coefficient estimation, it was seen that a 1% rise in air cargo volume, tourism income, and GDP corresponded to a concomitant increase of 0.15%, 0.09%, and 0.11% in the concentration of PM2.5. Based on the findings of the Granger Causality Test, it can be concluded that there exists a unidirectional relationship between the long-term levels of PM2.5 and GDP. Additionally, the analysis reveals that there is a unidirectional causal link from GDP to tourism revenues. Thus, it can be observed that there exists an indirect causal relationship between the quantity of PM2.5 and the earnings generated from tourism. Based on the findings, this study proposes measures aimed at mitigating air pollution in the tourism and air transportation sectors of EUROCONTROL member nations.
Ergen et al. (Tue,) studied this question.