Environmental benefits of energy poverty alleviation, renewable resources, and urbanization in North Africa

Abstract

Addressing energy poverty via expanding renewable energy sources and advancing sustainable development strategy is a crucial goal for developing nations. Therefore, the study aims to investigate relationships between carbon dioxide emission, renewable and nonrenewable energy resources, economic growth, urbanization, and energy poverty in the North African region, namely: Tunisia, Sudan, Morocco, Libya, and Egypt from 1993 to 2021, by employing Panel PMG ARDL and Granger causality approaches. According to empirical results, addressing energy poverty (access to electricity), economic growth, and using renewable and nonrenewable energy sources worsen the environment. Two-way causal relationships are founded between environmental deterioration and other variables: economic growth, energy resources, and urbanization. Based on the findings, policymakers should step up their efforts to promote green urbanization and alleviate energy poverty through renewable energy sources.