CO₂ emissions, urban population, energy consumption and economic growth in selected African countries: A Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR)

This study investigates the non-linear impact of urban population, energy consumption and economic growth on carbon emissions in selected African economies, for the period 2005–2019. The investigation is conducted through the application of non-linear panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) estimation technique. The results reveal a rejection of the null hypothesis of linearity, in favour of non-linearity. The results provide evidence of the presence of environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). Energy consumption has a positive impact on carbon emissions in both regimes. An increase in urban population causes a reduction in carbon emissions. The study recommends that in an effort to accelerate economic growth, policymakers should implement policies aimed at achieving low carbon mechanisms, such as green infrastructure and renewable energy systems, which reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore important for the selected African economies to come up with programmes that increase awareness about the risk of carbon emissions.