Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions in Côte d’Ivoire: Should We Worry?

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the CO₂ emissions and growth nexus in Côte d’Ivoire. The data used range from 1960 to 2015. An ARDL model is used to assess the long run relationship between CO₂ emissions, per capita GDP and selected control variables. We found that there is a long run relationship between CO₂ emissions, per capita GDP, Investment; Openness, life expectancy and population. Thus, they are cointegrated. We also found long run causality running from CO₂ emissions to per capita GDP. The results indicated a nonlinear relationship between per capita GDP and CO₂ emissions. This enabled us determine a CO₂ emissions threshold beyond which any increment in CO₂ emissions negatively affect the country’s economic performance. This tipping point stood at 7,755 kt. The country’s actual emissions is well above this threshold. There is therefore reasons to worry, and we call on government to take necessary actions to monitor CO₂ emissions in the country before it is too late.

Keywords: CO₂ emission, economic growth, ARDL