Abstract
Over the past two decades, global CO2 emissions have dramatically increased. In this context, this research aims to investigate a novel interaction between energy use, industrialization, and CO2 emissions as well as examine the underlying causal pathways with the implementation of more robust econometric methods to achieve valid and reliable results. Using estimation methods of AMG, CCEMG, and DCCEMG, this study shows that in the long-term energy use, industrialization, urbanization, and fossil fuel consumption have a non-significant positive impact on CO2 emissions for SSA countries with the exception of energy use depicting a significant impact. The documented results and findings are robust as compared to other studies. Furthermore, the study portrays the causal front as a bi-directional causal pathway between CO2 emissions, energy use, industrialization, and fossil fuel consumption with a uni-directional causal route to urbanization. Many of the variables are held to be causative agents of one another. The study suggests that policies that promote energy conservation and reduce CO2 emissions can be useful in achieving a lower emission rate. Policymakers and corporations should also abide by the laws and regulations on emissions mitigation. Companies need to invest in R&D as much as governments encourage business growth and development to help minimize emissions and degrade the environment. Similarly, the government should empower industries and households to acquire emission-reduction machinery.
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Data availability
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request
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This study was funded by the National Natural Science Fund (Project Approval Number: 71503105 and 71974081).
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AM analyzed and interpreted the data regarding the entire study. LF performed the overall write up and proof-reading and was a major contributor in writing the manuscript. KB gathered the data for the entire study and helped in the write up as well. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Appiah, M., Li, F. & Korankye, B. Modeling the linkages among CO2 emission, energy consumption, and industrialization in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 38506–38521 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-12412-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-12412-z