Analyzing the relationship between poverty, income inequality, and CO2 emission in Sub-Saharan African countries

Poverty and environmental degradation concerns are remained at top priority in achieving sustainable development targets. However, countries are still struggling in achieving poverty alleviation, reducing income inequality, and mitigating environmental pollution which requires immense attention. Hence, this study is an attempt to examine the linkage between, income inequality, poverty, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for the 40 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2010 - 2016. Findings obtained from the Driscoll Kray regression estimator suggest that a rise in income inequality contributes to increasing CO2 emissions. Further, an increase in poverty has a detrimental effect on environmental pollution in Sub-Saharan African countries. Results suggested important policy implications in the light of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the study's sample countries. [Display omitted] •Relationship between poverty, income inequality and CO2 emissions is investigated.•Panel data regression is applied for empirical investigation.•Increasing poverty and income inequality contribute to environmental pollution.•Poverty and inequality reduction measures are suggested to reduce pollution.