Climate Change and Population Growth Rate: any Implications for Economic Growth in Nigeria?

Abstract

The study was on Nigeria’s CC, PGR, and economic growth (1986-2021). Secondary data collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, World Bank, WDI, and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) were analyzed using unit root test, Auto-regressive distributed lag model (ARDL) for climate change since variables were of I(1) & I(0) as there was no co-integration. In contrast, the Error Correction Model (ECM) was used for population growth rate as variables were of I(1) and I(0), and there was co-integration. The GC test was adopted to determine the causal relationship among variables. The results showed that the coefficient values of lag one and two of LNRGDP had a significant relation with economic growth at both 10% and 1%, respectively, while lag three period of CAE was significant at a 5% level of probability. The study showed that birth growth rate and net migration positively and negatively impacted economic growth. It also showed unidirectional causality between crude death rate and economic growth and life expectancy at birth with economic growth. The study, therefore, recommends that the government invest in critical policies (real sectors of the economy) for economic growth and research the area of clean energy and eco-friendly approaches and population management with awareness campaigns that can ensure sustainable economic development.