Work

Fossil Fuels, Clean Cooking Energy, and Health Inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Distribution‐Sensitive Evidence for SDG ‐Linked Transitions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study investigates the asymmetric health impacts of fossil fuel dependence in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) using the method of moments quantile regression (MMQR), Driscoll–Kraay robustness checks, and interaction models with clean cooking energy (CCE). Unlike conventional analyses focused on mortality, we examine chronic outcomes—respiratory illness, disability, and out‐of‐pocket health expenditure—across 48 SSA countries from 1990 to 2022. Results show that oil, gas, and coal consumption significantly increase health and financial burdens, with stronger effects in upper quantiles, indicating disproportionate harm among already vulnerable populations. Public health expenditure and CCE consistently mitigate these effects, while Granger quantile causality confirms fossil shocks precede worsening outcomes. Findings highlight a persistent “fossil fuel–health trap” in SSA that undermines SDGs 3 (health), 7 (clean energy), and 13 (climate action). Expanding access to clean energy and strengthening health systems are critical to reducing inequities and supporting sustainable development.

Source: Sustainable Development

DOI: 10.1002/sd.70395

Authors: Zhenlei Lyu, Ridwan Lanre Ibrahim, Abdulrahman Alomair, Abdulaziz S. Al Naim

Institutions: Universiti Teknologi MARA System, Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, European University of Lefke, King Faisal University

Language: English

Topic: Energy and Environment Impacts

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: King Faisal University