Let the Data Speak: Revisiting the Environmental Kuznets Curve in Africa

Effiong, Ekpeno and Oisaozoje, Alex (2016): Let the Data Speak: Revisiting the Environmental Kuznets Curve in Africa.

Abstract

This paper revisits the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis and applies a flexible semi-parametric panel fixed effects technique to identify a definite shape of the income-pollution relationship for a sample of 49 African countries for the period 1990-2010. Compared with standard panel data techniques which yield different conclusions, the former reveals that the income-pollution nexus is monotonically increasing and decreasing for CO2 and PM10 emissions respectively. Hence, the effect of economic growth differs with each atmospheric pollutant; and is not sufficient for improving environmental quality. There is need for policies that emphasizes sustainable economic growth and the use of cleaner energy sources.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Environmental Kuznets Curve; Air pollutants; Semi-parametric method; Africa.
• Subjects: C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C1 - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General > C14 - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C3 - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models ; Multiple Variables > C33 - Panel Data Models ; Spatio-temporal Models; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O5 - Economywide Country Studies > O55 - Africa; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q5 - Environmental Economics

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