The impact of economic growth on environmental quality in Zimbabwe. 1985-2015

Abstract

This research was mainly aimed at investigating the environmental impact of economic growth in Zimbabwe for the period 1985-2015. Various authors have expressed their views with regards to the determinants of environmental degradation with economic growth as the major player. CO2 was used as a proxy for environmental quality. Using the Ordinary Least Squares model, the researcher obtained that in the early stages of development, growth accelerates the rate of environmental quality loss up to a certain level of income which would then later on help in improving environmental quality. The researcher then recommends on improving economic growth in Zimbabwe as way to improve environmental quality in Zimbabwe since increasing the level of national income increases the willingness to pay for a cleaner environment.