INCOME GROWTH AND PESTICIDE CONSUMPTION IN THE FUTURE: APPLYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL KUZNETS CURVE HYPOTHESIS

Applying the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis, the economic structure of pesticide consumption in the world was examined and its future consumption was predicted. It was found that the hypothesis is applicable and the income level significantly affects the pesticide consumption. Additionally, sustained population per land is also influential. In spite of the applicability of the hypothesis, it was also demonstrated that the great increase of pesticide consumption in developing countries would be predicted. Furthermore, among pesticide categories, the increase of insecticide consumption would be predicted even in developed countries.