A study conducted by researchers Somoye, Özdeşer and Seraj from Near East University sheds light on the relationship between energy consumption and life expectancy in Nigeria, offering valuable insights into public health and sustainable development. The research explores the impact of fossil fuel (FFEC) and renewable energy consumption (RNEW) on life expectancy (LEXP) using sophisticated analytical methods.
Through the application of Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Non-linear ARDL techniques, the study investigates the long-term and short-term effects of FFEC and RNEW on LEXP from 1965 to 2019. The analysis confirms a positive association between energy consumption and life expectancy, highlighting the importance of energy policies in promoting public health and economic productivity.
The findings suggest that both FFEC and RNEW contribute to improvements in life expectancy, underscoring the need for a balanced energy strategy that prioritizes cleaner technologies and promotes renewable energy sources. While fossil fuels remain a significant part of the energy mix, the study emphasizes the importance of transitioning to cleaner technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, to mitigate environmental impact.
Furthermore, the research identifies income, as measured by Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP), as a key determinant of life expectancy. As income levels rise, individuals have greater access to healthcare services and resources, leading to improved health outcomes.
In light of these findings, the study recommends several policy interventions to support sustainable development and public health in Nigeria. These include incentivizing the adoption of renewable energy through subsidies and carbon pricing mechanisms, investing in research and development of clean technologies, and promoting economic growth strategies that prioritize equitable distribution of wealth.
While the study provides valuable insights into the energy-health nexus in Nigeria, it also acknowledges certain limitations, such as its focus on a single country and its omission of other factors that may influence life expectancy. Future research endeavors could expand the scope to include a broader range of countries and consider additional determinants of public health.
Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of energy, health, and sustainable development, offering policymakers evidence-based guidance for designing effective interventions to improve life expectancy and well-being.
More Information:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1477-8947.12312
