Assessing the Economic and Health Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Multivariate Analysis

This study investigates the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on two critical outcomes: gross domestic product (GDP) and death rate (DR), using secondary data from Nigeria spanning 1960–2011. Unlike previous studies, this research incorporates DR as a measure of health impacts alongside GDP, providing a holistic view of GHG emissions' effects. Utilizing multiple linear regression and canonical correlation analyses, the study reveals significant associations between emissions and both dependent variables. Key findings indicate that while gaseous emissions positively influence GDP, liquid and solid emissions negatively affect it. Conversely, solid emissions show a strong positive relationship with DR, highlighting their health risks. These results underscore the dual challenge of balancing economic growth with public health in addressing GHG emissions. The study's insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers aiming to design effective climate mitigation strategies.