In this paper, we explore whether economic sanctions may be inimical to the environmental quality in target states. To obtain robust and unbiased results, this paper applies the Pooled Mean Group method that counters the issue of heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence. The results reveal that economic sanctions have a significant deleterious impact on the target state’s environmental quality in the long run. Still, in the short run, its influence is statistically insignificant. Further analyses provide evidence in support of the hypothesis that multilateral sanctions impose a more severe effect on environmental quality than unilateral sanctions. Moreover, the bad consequences of economic sanctions on emissions initially increase over time, but after the turning point (approximately 9 years), the influence of economic sanctions gradually diminishes. Finally, the results also show that the environmental impact of economic sanctions is greater in low and lower-middle-income countries.