The rise and fall of the energy-carbon Kuznets curve: evidence from Africa

Abstract

Purpose

This paper provides an analysis of the energy-carbon Kuznets curve hypothesis (CKC) using a second-generation panel methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, the authors investigate whether energy consumption, natural resources and governance explain the CKC proposition. The study’s empirical strategy is based on the Westerlund panel cointegration test, augmented mean group (AMG) and vector autoregressive (VAR) panel Granger-causality tests.

Findings

The results suggest that the CKC hypothesis is incomplete without these mechanisms, as they play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions in Africa. The authors recommend improving the environmental standards and proper regulatory and monitoring systems to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development in the continent.

Originality/value

The study revisits the CKC hypothesis with particular emphasis on governance and more robust empirical estimation techniques.

Citation

Shobande, O. and Asongu, S. (2022), "The rise and fall of the energy-carbon Kuznets curve: evidence from Africa", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 33 No. 2, pp. 390-405. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-08-2021-0185