Factors affecting air pollution in Iranian provinces with emphasis on social capital

Several factors influence air pollution. Non-economic variables such as social capital can also play an important role in reducing air pollution. In this study, the effect of various factors on carbon dioxide emissions in Iran''s provinces has been investigated and compared.
In this study carbon dioxide emissions are considered as an indicator of air pollution. In this regard, using panel data for data from 2006 to 2015 in Iran''s provinces, we study the factors affecting carbon dioxide emissions. Using the panel data model framework, we first use the related tests to determine the use of the effects or random method. After determining the exact method used, standardized variables are entered into the model and an investigation is made about its effect on carbon dioxide emissions. It is worth noting that the variable of social capital is combined in combination with population variable, value added, employment rate and productivity in the model.
The results of model estimation show that population variables, value added and employment rate have the highest positive effect on carbon dioxide emission, respectively. Also, the productivity of labor and social capital has the most negative (decreasing) effect on carbon dioxide emissions in the provinces of the country.Social capital with coefficient (-0.082) has indirect and significant relationship with air pollution, which finds the role of social capital as a reducing factor in air pollution in the country.
The Effectiveness of social capital''s impact on carbon dioxide emissions in Iranian provinces is lower than other variables used in the model. Therefore, in order to reduce the air pollution problem, it is recommended to raise public awareness about how to protect the environment and to use more efficient technology.