GHG emissions and fossil energy use as consequences of efforts of improving human well-being in Africa

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2020-11, Vol.273 (1), p.111136-111136, Article 111136
• Main Author: Lawson, Laté A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CO2 emissions; Environment and Society; Environmental Sciences; Fossil energies; Human development; Recursive modelling; Spillovers
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111136

This paper assesses the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions, fossil energy use and economic development, arguing that human development is not responsible for carbon dioxide emissions. To address the mechanism through which the latter relationship operates, a recursive system of three equations is estimated. The empirical results for a sample of 41 Sub-Saharan African countries observed over the period from 1990 to 2013 support our reasoning. Specifically, contrary to causality analyses which imply economic growth causing pollution, our recursive analysis indicates that greenhouse gas emissions are direct consequences of fossil energy use. Thus, economic growth is not to blame for carbon dioxide emissions. In terms of environmental policy for African countries, this study encourages efforts towards less polluting and renewable energies supply as well as investments in energy efficient technologies. •Human development requires energy, even so at early stages of economic development.•In SSA, increasing fossil energy use coincides with decreasing renewable energy use.•The CO2 emissions, energy and development relationship as a recursive mechanism.•Economic growth and human well-being are not to blame for GHG emissions.