This paper estimates how economic policy uncertainty affects carbon emissions by analyzing data from 13 emerging market economies for the period 1990?2023.
The results indicate that higher uncertainty increases emissions, though effects vary by structural and institutional factors. Economies with stronger institutions, cleaner energy, and higher development levels exhibit weaker responses. Lower-income economies face more pronounced effects, while climate vulnerability also shapes outcomes. The findings highlight how policy and structural conditions influence emissions under uncertainty and inform strategies to mitigate environmental risks.