Green Accounting Practices and Corporate Environmental Responsibility: Evidence from Emerging Economies

Abstract

As environmental concerns intensify across the globe, green accounting has emerged as a critical tool for organizations aiming to integrate ecological sustainability into their decision-making processes. This paper examines the relationship between green accounting practices and corporate environmental responsibility (CER) in emerging economies. Using a qualitative content analysis of case studies and secondary data from select countries such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa, this research explores how green accounting influences corporate behavior toward environmental stewardship. The findings suggest that green accounting not only enhances transparency and regulatory compliance but also promotes proactive corporate environmental responsibility. However, challenges such as weak regulatory frameworks, insufficient capacity, and limited stakeholder pressure hinder the effectiveness of green accounting in many emerging economies. The study concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen institutional support and incentivize environmentally responsible practices in the corporate sector.