Vulnerability to climate change in sub-Saharan Africa countries. Does international trade matter?
Ateba Boyomo Henri Aurélien
Abstract
In a global context of climate vulnerability, characterized by populations' exposure to extreme temperatures, floods, and droughts, we highlight the role of international trade in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries resilience to climate shocks. Therefore, this paper examines the direct and indirect role of international trade in climate change vulnerability using a country-time fixed effects model and a panel of 39 sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2000 to 2021. The results obtained using the Two-Way Fixed Effects (TWFE) method indicate that international trade, as a vector of wealth creation, directly reduces climate change vulnerability in SSA. We also find that international trade reduces climate change vulnerability through the channels of GDP, water availability, renewable energy and ICT. However, we show that food insecurity reduces the effect of international trade on climate change vulnerability. We recommend: intensifying trade practices to generate wealth, especially trade in environmental goods and services that allow for measuring, preventing, limiting, and reducing environmental damages. We also propose the implementation of government strategies to prepare for climate change, such as environmental policies. From the above, we have given this study implications not only in scientific terms but also in terms of commercial practice by the state and companies.