Recent evidence of the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions, energy use, GDP, and population in Ghana: A linear regression approach

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this study, the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions, energy use, GDP, and population was examined in Ghana from 1971-2013 using a linear regression approach. Evidence from the study shows a long-run equilibrium relationship running from energy use (EU), gross domestic product (GDP), and population to carbon dioxide emissions. There was evidence of long-run equilibrium relationship from GDP to carbon dioxide emissions and population to carbon dioxide emissions. There was a unidirectional causality from EU to carbon dioxide emissions, population to carbon dioxide emissions, and population to EU. Evidence from the fit regression model shows that, a 1% increase in EU, GDP, and population will increase carbon dioxide emissions by 0.58%, 0.73%, and 1.30%, which has policy implications for Ghana. As a policy recommendation, efforts by the Government of Ghana that provide the enabling environment for the creation of decent jobs, small and medium scale enterprises, creativity, innovation, scientific research, and technological advancement are essential in the fight against climate change.