The determinants of life quality in African countries: Moderating role of CO2 emissions and health expenditures

The aim of the study is to examine the determinants of quality of life in some African countries using carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions and health expenditures. For this purpose, annual data for the period 2000-2019 were considered for 20 African countries, and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator was used in the analysis. In the study, second-generation panel tests were applied, considering the cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity of the variables. The Durbin-Hausman cointegration test revealed that there was a long-term relationship between the variables; the size and direction of this relationship were analyzed with the GMM method. The findings obtained from the study reveal three important results. First, carbon dioxide emissions (CO 2 ) and urbanization (URB) negatively affect the quality of life by reducing life expectancy at birth in the long-run. Second, increases in health expenditures (HEALTH) and per capita income (GDP) significantly improve quality of life. Third, a strong causal relationship from health expenditures to quality of life emphasizes the importance of health investments. To improve the quality of life, reducing carbon emissions Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 – “Climate Action” and improving access to health services SDG 3 – “Good Health and Well-being” are priorities. Expanding the use of renewable energy, adopting policies to reduce environmental pollution, and integrating green technologies into industry are necessary. • Pollution impact: CO 2 and urbanization lower life expectancy in Africa. • Health investments: Boosting health spending improves life expectancy. • Economic growth: Higher income correlates with better life expectancy. • Policy focus: Cutting CO 2 and raising health budgets aid sustainability. • Unique analysis: Panel data techniques assess life quality in 20 African nations.