<p>This study investigates the interplay between income from natural resources, education, access to financial services, and technological advancements in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13 in eight resource-rich countries. Motivated by the global urgency for sustainable practices, this research employs a robust analytical framework to explore short- and long-term interactions among these variables, including panel data analysis, cointegration tests, and asymmetry coefficient estimation. Key findings reveal that income from natural resources is directly linked to increased CO2 emissions, emphasizing the environmental costs of resource exploitation. Conversely, higher education levels are associated with reduced CO2 emissions and ecological footprints, highlighting education’s vital role in environmental sustainability. At the same time, financial inclusion fosters economic growth and contributes to environmental degradation, necessitating regulatory measures. Technological innovation, particularly green technology, is crucial for mitigating environmental impacts. This study uniquely combines these factors to provide empirical evidence of their collective influence on sustainability, filling a gap in existing research. The results suggest that effective governance, environmental education, alignment of financial practices with sustainability goals, and support for green innovation are essential for harmonizing economic development with environmental conservation.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>