Investigating the impact of CO2 emission and economic factors on infants health: a case study for Pakistan

Abstract

This study has attempted to investigate the consequences of CO2 emissions on infants’ health in Pakistan over the period of 1975 to 2013. Several economic factors have been employed in our analysis and the estimates show insignificant impact of CO2 emissions in affecting children mortality. Increasing health facilities lowers children mortality over a short period were also observed but the relationship inversed in the long-run. In short-run, urbanization appeared as a decreasing factor to children mortality. While income inequality remains inversely related with children mortality. Both poverty and fertility are found enhancing factors to children deaths. The poor sector of the economy seemed to observe higher children mortality due to inadequate health facilities and low standards of living. Overall, we have observed greater impact of economic factors in explaining children mortality than CO2 emissions in case of Pakistan. These issues have a significant impact on the representative industries in Pakistan, such as the cotton textile and traditional clothing industry (apparel manufacturing).