Globalization‐induced social changes and their environmental impacts: Assessing the role of information and communication technology in sub‐Saharan Africa

Abstract

AbstractThis study examines how the growing transformation in social globalization propelled by the rapid diffusion of information and communication technology affects carbon emissions in sub‐Saharan Africa using data over the period 1990–2018. The results show a neutral effect on carbon emissions, as the carbon‐mitigating effect of the de jure conditions offsets the carbon‐emitting impact of the de facto conditions underlying the process of information globalization. To induce social behavioural change with emphasis on environmental protection, there is need for sub‐Saharan African countries to expand access to cross‐border information, leveraging on mass media platforms, and more importantly, ensuring press freedom.