Addressing Global Challenges: Exploring the Intersection of Pollution, Income Inequality, and Living Adequacy Thresholds
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
10886931
eISSN
23841648
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105029222946
Journal Title
Global Business and Finance Review
Volume
31
Issue
1
Start Page
1
End Page
16
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Global Business and Finance Review Vol.31 No.1 (2026) , 1-16
Suggested Citation
Bukkavesa K., Frutos-Bencze D., Satimanon M. Addressing Global Challenges: Exploring the Intersection of Pollution, Income Inequality, and Living Adequacy Thresholds. Global Business and Finance Review Vol.31 No.1 (2026) , 1-16. 16. doi:10.17549/gbfr.2026.31.1.1 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/114954
Title
Addressing Global Challenges: Exploring the Intersection of Pollution, Income Inequality, and Living Adequacy Thresholds
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Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Purpose: This study examines the intersection between environmental pollutants (CO<inf>2</inf>PM2.5, and CH<inf>4</inf>emissions), income inequality, and living adequacy thresholds. Design/methodology/approach: Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) based on 2018 crossnational data, this study identifies configurations of intersecting variables including income inequality, living adequacy thresholds, education levels, perceived corruption, and industrial output measures. Findings: Results reveal significant heterogeneity across income country groups. CO<inf>2</inf>emission levels show no significant association with income inequality and living adequacy thresholds in the middle to upper-income countries. However, PM2.5 and CH<inf>4</inf>emissions are strongly associated with high-income inequality and low living adequacy thresholds, particularly in low to middle-income countries. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited by cross-sectional data from 2018, preventing examination of temporal dynamics and causal relationships. Future research should develop panel fsQCA approaches incorporating longitudinal data. Originality/value: This study provides original value by systematically examining multiple environmental pollutants with comprehensive socioeconomic indicators, operationalizing the living adequacy threshold concept, and revealing multiple pathways to social disadvantage.