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Let the data speak: semiparametric evidence on the environmental Kuznets curve in Africa

Author

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  • Ekpeno L. Effiong

    (University of Uyo)

  • Alex O. Iriabije

    (University of Uyo)

Abstract

This paper revisits the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis and applies a flexible semi-parametric panel fixed effects technique to identify the true 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 yields different conclusions, the former show that the income-pollution nexus is non-monotonically increasing and decreasing for $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ CO 2 and $$\hbox {PM}_{10}$$ PM 10 emissions respectively. Hence, the effect of economic growth differs with each atmospheric pollutants 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ekpeno L. Effiong & Alex O. Iriabije, 2018. "Let the data speak: semiparametric evidence on the environmental Kuznets curve in Africa," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 52(2), pages 771-782, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:52:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s11135-017-0487-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-017-0487-6
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    3. MARINESCU Ștefana & MAHDAVIAN Seyed Mohammadreza & RĂDULESCU Magdalena, 2022. "Globalization, Energy Mix, Renewable Energy, and Emission: Romanian Case," European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Bucharest Economic Academy, issue 02, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Environmental Kuznets curve; Atmospheric pollutants; Semi-parametric regression; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
    • Q5 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics

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