An environmental assessment of non-renewable, modern renewable, and combustible renewable energy in Cameroon

Abstract

Global environmental concerns have led countries to take action to transition to renewables. In this context, countries have begun to change their energy patterns to achieve ecological sustainability through the adoption of clean energy sources. Therefore, this study explores the impact of the energy mix on the ecological footprint by using the Fourier ADL and ARDL models for Cameroon from 1980 to 2018. To test the impact of the energy mix, the study adopts non-renewable energy, modern renewable energy, as well as combustible renewables and waste. The empirical findings reveal that GDP and electricity generation from non-renewable energy sources contribute the most to environmental deterioration in Cameroon. Modern renewables and combustible renewables and waste contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and reduce the ecological footprint. This implies that increased use of renewable energy sources, especially modern renewables, can help Cameroon achieve its renewable energy target and contribute to environmental sustainability. To mitigate the harmful impacts of non-renewable energy sources, the country should promote increasing the share of combustible renewables in its energy mix as a clean substitute.