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The Landscape of CO2 Emissions Across Africa: A Comparative Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Jaime de Melo

    (FERDI - Fondation pour les Etudes et Recherches sur le Développement International, UNIGE - Université de Genève = University of Geneva)

  • Jean-Marc Solleder

    (UNIGE - Université de Genève = University of Geneva)

Abstract

Expansion of Global Value Chains (GVCs) is a mixed blessing for the environment. Effects of growth and emissions from transport associated with international trade have negative effects; but greater flows of knowledge and associated spillovers, and adoption of environmentally innovative products have positive effects. This paper provides evidence on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for 51 African and 132 other countries for 163 products over the period 1995-2015. The resulting landscape is summarized in four patterns. Patterns identified for the Africa region differ from those identified for other regions but are closely related to a synthetic aggregate comparator constructed on the basis of three characteristics (per capita income, share of manufacturing in GDP, and distance to trading partners).

Suggested Citation

  • Jaime de Melo & Jean-Marc Solleder, 2022. "The Landscape of CO2 Emissions Across Africa: A Comparative Perspective," Working Papers hal-03739898, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-03739898
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-03739898
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Mansor H. Ibrahim & Siong Hook Law, 2016. "Institutional Quality and CO 2 Emission–Trade Relations: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 84(2), pages 323-340, June.
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    7. Jaime de Melo & Jean-Marc Solleder, 2022. "Patterns and Correlates of Supply Chain Trade in MENA and SSA," Working Papers hal-03649085, HAL.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bacchetta, Marc & Bekkers, Eddy & Solleder, Jean-Marc & Tresa, Enxhi, 2025. "The potential impact of environmental goods trade liberalization on trade and emissions," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    2. Jaime de Melo, 2023. "Environmentally-friendly trade policies to shape Mauritius’ future," Working Papers hal-04001711, HAL.
    3. Shadrack Muthami Mwatu & Amsalu Woldie Yalew & Victor Nechifor & Amarendra Sahoo, 2026. "Trade policies for low‐carbon development in developing countries: Insights from Kenya," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 44(1), January.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • F18 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Environment
    • F54 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - Colonialism; Imperialism; Postcolonialism

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