Does economic growth, international trade, and urbanization uphold environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa? Insights from quantile and causality procedures.

International trade and urbanization are increasing at an unprecedented rate in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The region has also witnessed a fair share of economic growth, with minimal investment and consumption of renewables. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of economic growth, international trade, and urbanization on CO emissions in SSA. The current study enriches the existing literature by employing the panel quantile regression analysis to account for existing levels of CO emissions in the region. Empirical findings reveal that GDP increases CO emissions across quantiles, especially in countries where the existing level of CO emissions is low. International trade improves environmental sustainability in countries where the existing levels of CO emissions are at their lowest and highest levels but exacts a reversed impact on CO emissions at the median. Further findings suggest that urbanization increases CO emissions across the observed quantiles with a more pronounced effect in countries where the existing levels of CO emissions are at its lowest level. The study also reveals a bi-directional causality between economic growth, international trade, urbanization, and the emissions of CO. The limitations of the study and possible direction for future research have been highlighted. Policy directions are discussed.