EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ECONIMIC GROWTH IN WEST AFRICA: EVIDENCE FROM A PANEL AUTOREGRESSIVE DISTRIBUTED LAG MODEL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1004-4813Keywords:
Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL), Pooled Mean Group (PMG), Climate Change, Economic GrowthAbstract
This study utilizes panel data from 2000–2022 to examine the nexus between climate change and economic growth in West Africa, employing a Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimator. After confirming the model's validity through cross-sectional dependence and unit root tests, the empirical results indicate that carbon emissions and energy imports act as significant drivers of economic performance in the short run, reflecting a temporary reliance on emission-intensive activities. However, these factors, along with population growth, become statistically insignificant in the long run, suggesting that current growth models are unsustainable. With a highly significant error correction term indicating a swift return to equilibrium after shocks, the findings highlight a critical need for West African policymakers to shift toward renewable energy, enhance climate adaptation, and invest in productivity-led development to ensure durable, long-term economic stability.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Niri Martha Choji, Sohlam Peter Lar, David Demshark Kefas, Iordye Michael Uji
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