The Relationship Between Economic Growth and Pollution in Zambia

Chileshe Abishai1* & Elkotni Laila2
1Department of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, China
DOI – http://doi.org/10.37502/IJSMR.2025.8201

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Abstract

This study examines the effect of economic growth on emission levels in a country. It specifically examines this relationship in the context of Zambia. To analyze the data, the study adopts the ARDL model. The findings reveal no long-run relationship existed between GDP and greenhouse emissions. However, there was a positive short-run relationship present between them. The weakening of the relationship in the long run might suggest a progression towards a more sustainable economy, where environmental degradation is not an inevitable cost of economic growth. These findings may be a possible indication of alignment with the EKC hypothesis, which means that after a certain threshold of economic growth, Zambia is likely to experience a reverse effect in the relationship between economic growth and emissions. Therefore, the study suggests that policymakers should encourage investment in clean energy, sustainable economic shifting, and strengthen environmental regulations to promote long-term sustainable growth.

Keywords: GDP, Carbon Emissions, Air Pollution, EKC, Sustainability

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