Response of energy transition and education in promoting the ecological balance in the BRICS countries

Climate challenges and environmental degradation are obvious threats that disturb the ecological balance. To confront this situation, researchers are on high alert to identify the indicators affecting ecological sustainability. Accordingly, this study investigates the long-term impact of energy transition and education on maintaining ecological balance in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South African economies by constructing an energy transition index using data between 2000 and 2021. The study employs Feasible Generalized Least Squares as the primary analytical tool, and the main outcomes are re-confirmed through the Driscoll-Kraay model and quantile regression across multiple quantiles. Findings indicate that energy transition plays a positive role in maintaining ecological balance. Conversely, education negatively impacts ecological balance driven by industrial growth and heightened consumption linked to higher income levels. Policy recommendations include intensifying investment in renewable energy and incorporating sustainability-focused content in educational frameworks to mitigate its environmental downsides.