Trend of sustainability in Europe and Pakistan: a comparative study on energy

Climate change poses a pressing global threat, forcing immediate action to mitigate its impacts. A crucial aspect of this effort is the transition of the energy sector towards sustainability, as it is a predominant source of greenhouse gas emissions. This study examines the past trends and future projections of primary energy consumption (PEC) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Pakistan and the EU-28, aiming to inform policymakers, decision-makers, and business leaders. Employing a quantitative approach, 30 years of data, from 1992 to 2021, are analyzed, which include PEC, GHG emissions, population, urbanization, and GDP per capita. This research utilizes multiple linear regression models, employing the Ordinary Least Squares method to explain historical trends, and autoregression in Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model for five-year predictions. The results show an alarming forecast for Pakistan, with unsustainable energy consumption and GHG emissions predicted to rise in the next five years. Conversely, the EU-28 shows declining PEC and GHG emissions, which are expected to continue decreasing. Drawing insights from past policies and energy mixes, this research highlights the importance for both regions to diversify their energy sources, foster collaboration to leverage respective strengths, and accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy future.