Green Leadership in the Global Economy: China's Role in Shaping Renewable Energy Markets and Sustainable Development

This study investigates China's influential role in renewable energy markets and sustainable development, addressing a significant gap in the literature regarding how green leadership affects both economic and environmental outcomes in a country-specific context. Through a panel data analysis covering the period from 2010 to 2023, five major economies, China, Germany, India, Brazil, and the United States, are evaluated. The research design is quantitative, utilising secondary data sourced from reputable global databases including the World Bank, IEA, and IRENA. Analysis techniques include descriptive statistics, panel unit root tests, fixed effects regression, and Granger causality tests. Key findings reveal that while renewable energy investment correlates positively with GDP, its short-term impact on emissions is limited, suggesting long-term benefits. These findings are aligned with the study’s objectives to assess the dual impact of renewable energy leadership on growth and sustainability.