This study examines the impact of renewable energy on carbon emissions through globalization, using a mediation model to assess both direct and indirect effects. The data, spanning from 1990 to 2020, reveals that while renewable energy has no significant impact on trade openness, it directly and negatively affects carbon emissions. Foreign direct investment (FDI) has a direct and significant positive effect on carbon emissions, but trade openness has no significant effect. The indirect effects show that renewable energy, through FDI, negatively impacts carbon emissions, while through trade openness, it has a positive effect. The study recommends policymakers restrict the trade sector to reduce the trading of high-emission technologies and promote renewable energy use to mitigate carbon emissions.This study examines the impact of renewable energy on carbon emissions through globalization, using a mediation model to assess both direct and indirect effects. The data, spanning from 1990 to 2020, reveals that while renewable energy has no significant impact on trade openness, it directly and negatively affects carbon emissions. Foreign direct investment (FDI) has a direct and significant positive effect on carbon emissions, but trade openness has no significant effect. The indirect effects show that renewable energy, through FDI, negatively impacts carbon emissions, while through trade openness, it has a positive effect. The study recommends policymakers restrict the trade sector to reduce the trading of high-emission technologies and promote renewable energy use to mitigate carbon emissions.