Effects of Carbon Dioxide Emissions on Child Mortality in Nepal

Abstract

The rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions have intensified concerns about public health impacts, especially in developing countries where economic growth often increases environmental strain. This study aims to examine the relationship between CO₂ emissions and child mortality in Nepal, incorporating factors such as economic growth, health expenditure, and educational attainment. Using time-series data from 2001 to 2021, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Canonical Cointegrating Regression (CCR) models were employed to assess the long-term relationships between these variables. Results indicate that a 1% increase in CO₂ emissions is associated with an approximate 0.11% rise in child mortality, underscoring the detrimental effects of environmental degradation. Additionally, economic growth and health expenditure were found to significantly lower child mortality, with a 1% increase in GDP per capita reducing child mortality by 0.69% and a similar increase in health expenditure decreasing it by 0.22%. Higher educational attainment also significantly decreased child mortality rates by 0.19%. These findings suggest that policies addressing both environmental and socioeconomic factors are essential to improving child health outcomes. Overall, the study highlights the importance of integrated policy approaches in mitigating child mortality through environmental protection, economic development, and social investment.