ICT, openness and CO 2 emissions in Africa

Abstract

This study investigates how information and communication technology (ICT) complements globalisation in order to influence CO₂ emissions in 44 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2000–2012. ICT is measured with internet penetration and mobile phone penetration whereas globalisation is designated in terms of trade and financial openness. The empirical evidence is based on the generalised method of moments. The findings broadly show that ICT can be employed to dampen the potentially negative effect of globalisation on environmental degradation like CO₂ emissions. Practical, policy and theoretical implications are discussed.