Dynamic implication of biomass energy consumption on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from panel data analysis

The present article examines the dynamic linkages between biomass energy consumption, capital stock, human capital and economic growth across selected Sub-Saharan African countries based on dynamic heterogeneous panels of a mean group (MG) and pooled mean group (PMG) techniques. The finding based on PMG as the preferred method reveals that biomass energy consumption, capital stock and human capital are statistically significant, which means aforementioned variables have positive significant impact on economic growth in the countries studied. When an alternative panel estimation techniques of panel cointegration, dynamic OLS (DOLS) and fully modified OLS (FMOLS) are applied, the result based on panel cointegration technique reveals that biomass energy consumption, capital stock, human capital and economic growth are cointegrated as null hypothesis of most statistics are rejected at 1 % level of significance. The finding based on FMOLS shows that biomass energy consumption, capital stock and human capital positively influences economic growth at 1 % level and same result is obtained from panel OLS. The result based on DOLS however reveals that biomass energy consumption and capital stock are significant at 1 % on economic growth while human capital is insignificant. Considering its positive effect on economic growth with little or no environmental degradation when compared with fossil fuel uses, consumption of biomass energy is more preferable in these countries therefore is the best option to adopt by the policy makers of Sub-Saharan African countries.     

Bioenergy consumption and economic growth in the EU-28 region: evidence from a panel cointegration model

GeoJournal - The purpose of this research is to examine the correlation between the bioenergy industry and economic outgrowth. This study investigates the growth hypothesis within the setting of...     

A new methodological perspective on the impact of energy consumption on economic growth: time series evidence based on the Fourier approximation for solar energy in the USA

From the empirical energy literature, it is observed that studies focusing on the energy-economic growth nexus ignore the possible existence of gradual breaks as they employ methods without or with sharp structural breaks. Therefore, one can argue that they may yield biased and inefficient output in the presence of gradual breaks. The goal of this paper is to investigate the impact of solar energy consumption on GDP utilizing quarterly data over the period 1984–2018 for the USA. For this purpose, the paper performs a unit root test and a cointegration test that are based on the Fourier approximation to take gradual breaks into account. The paper also performs the dynamic ordinary least squares estimator to estimate long-run parameters. The findings document that there exists cointegration in the empirical model and that GDP is positively associated with solar energy consumption. Some implications based on the empirical findings are presented in the paper.

     

Food security and environmental degradation: evidence from developing countries

GeoJournal - In recent times, food security has received growing attention as a means to alleviate hunger, and to ensure sustainable supply of nutritious, secure and accessible food to the...     

Efficiency assessment of the energy consumption and economic indicators in Beijing under the influence of short-term climatic factors: based on data envelopment analysis methodology

In this paper, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method is introduced to analyze the input–output efficiency of energy consumption and economic indicators in Beijing city under the influence of short-term climatic factors. Total energy consumption, fixed asset investment, average temperature, precipitation, sunshine hours, average wind velocity and the average pressure being employed as the input variables, gross domestic product (GDP) and per capita disposable income being employed as the output variables, effective technology and the validity of the scale of DEA of 31 decision-making units (DMUs) under the influence of the short-term climatic factors are analyzed, and the inefficient DMUs are improved. Empirical analysis shows that both energy consumption and economic growth are sensitive to short-term climate condition, and the reasonable employing of extreme climatic conditions is a question worthy of consideration. This study provides effective basis for the scientific and reasonable arrangement of Beijing city’s short-term climatic resources and energy–economic development.     

Energy production,economic growth and CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> emission: evidence from Pakistan

Extreme weather events present environmental and social challenges across the Eurasian steppe. In Mongolia much attention is given to drought and dzud (severe winter conditions) impact on rural livelihoods, landscapes and governance. A link between the two events, fostered by international and state agencies, speculates that drought leads to dzud; this has become the widely accepted doctrine. However, the relationship between the two events is assumed rather than analysed. Whilst there may be natural links between climate events, causality is more difficult to establish yet often claimed post-event. This paper stresses Mongolia’s destructive dzuds of 1999–2001 and 2009–2010 in examining drought frequency before dzud events. Findings question the hazard connection as just 3 of 32 examined dzud events were preceded by drought. Investigation did not document a relationship between the disasters; linkages between extreme events were implied rather than established. The human role in disaster also needs to be assessed as preparation, and response are key factors for mitigation. Study results identified a lack of causality between the disasters, suggesting more assiduous investigation of hazards is needed in Mongolia. This can clarify causal factors, identify risk and improve disaster mitigation strategies in Mongolia.     

Using a new decoupling indicator (ZM decoupling indicator) to study the relationship between the economic growth and energy consumption in China

The decoupling analysis has become an important tool to explore whether an economy is becoming less dependent on energy resources. Based on the LMDI (Log-Mean Divisia Index) method, this paper defines a new decoupling indicator (ZM decoupling indicator), which depicts the relationship between energy saving influence factors and energy driving influence factors. Then, the ZM decoupling indicator is utilized to explore the state of decoupling between economic growth and energy consumption in China. The main results are as follows: (1) The gap of economic structure between the secondary industry and tertiary industry gradually narrowed during the study period 1991–2012. (2) The economic growth effect (\(\Delta E_{\text{g}}^{t}\)) was the critical factor in the growth of the final energy consumption in China. However, the energy intensity effect (\(\Delta E_{\text{ei}}^{t}\)) played an important role in decreasing the final energy consumption. (3) Based on the definition of ZM decoupling indicator, only four decoupling statuses occurred in China over the study period: weak decoupling, expansive coupling, strong decoupling, and expansive negative decoupling.     

Human-made disasters and economic impact for a developing economy: evidence from Brazil

Natural Hazards - This article analyzes the short-term economic impacts of the collapse of the ‘Fundão’ mining tailings dam, located in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. This...     

No excessive crustal growth in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Further evidence from field relationships and isotopic data

We provide new field observations and isotopic data for key areas of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), reiterating our previous assessment that no excessive crustal growth occurred during its ca. 800 Ma long orogenic evolution. Many Precambrian blocks (microcontinents) identified in the belt are exotic and are most likely derived from the northern margin of Gondwana, including the Tarim craton. Ocean opening in the Palaeo-Asian Ocean, arc formation and accretionary processes began in the latest Mesoproterozoic along the southern margin of the Siberian craton and continued into the Neoproterozoic, giving rise to tectono-metamorphic terranes distinct from the exotic microcontinents in that they include tectonically mixed ancient crust as well as juvenile, mantle-derived igneous rocks. Several previous assessments of crustal growth based on the distribution of oceanic and island arc complexes and on Nd isotopic data for post-accretion igneous rocks are questionable, and we show that such data, in combination with the occurrence of old zircon xenocrysts, frequently signify tectonic mixing of juvenile and ancient crustal components.The only truly juvenile terranes, including oceanic crust and intra-oceanic arcs, seem to occur in northeastern Kazakhstan, in the Altai-Sayan region of Siberia and in the Lake and Trans-Altai zones of Mongolia. The largest area of pre-CAOB continental crust forms a broad belt from northwestern Kazakhstan via the Kyrgyz North and Middle Tianshan to the Yili Block and Chinese Central Tianshan in NW China. Most arcs in the CAOB formed on older continental crust, or with substantial addition of old crustal material via sediment recycling, similar to the situation in the present Southwest Pacific in southern Indonesia, and we suspect that the volume of old material in the lower crust of the CAOB is considerable but largely unaccounted for because of lack of geophysical data. Comparing the lithospheric mantle domains as revealed by Os model ages, with ancient crust at least Mesoproterozoic in age and predating formation of the CAOB significantly reduces the volume of new juvenile crust generated during the orogeny. We conclude that the volume of truly juvenile crustal material in the CAOB is about 20%, similar to that in other accretionary orogens through Earth history, and considering the ca. 800 Ma history of the belt this is not anomalous.     

Matrix rheology effects on reaction rim growth I: evidence from orthopyroxene rim growth experiments

The rim-forming reaction quartz + olivine = orthopyroxene is used to investigate the effect of matrix rheology on rim growth rates. Orthopyroxene rim growth around olivine grains in quartz matrix is compared to rim growth around quartz grains in an olivine matrix. At constant P–T , within one single capsule, orthopyroxene rims grow faster around quartz clasts in olivine matrix than around olivine clasts in quartz matrix. Fourier transform infra-red spectra indicate that the entire samples are water saturated because of water adsorption on the reactant grain surfaces. The increased orthopyroxene growth rates in olivine matrix as opposed to quartz matrix are interpreted in terms of matrix rheology, where in the two different matrix-inclusion arrangements the olivine matrix behaves 'softer' and the quartz matrix 'more rigid'. The strain energy associated with accommodation of the negative reaction volume is higher for the quartz than the olivine matrix and reduces the free energy that drives orthopyroxene rim growth. Growth textures in both kinds of orthopyroxene rims indicate that the diffusivity of MgO slightly exceeds the diffusivity of SiO₂. The relative mobility of MgO and SiO₂ at given P , T , f H₂O seems to be controlled by energy minimization during orthopyroxene growth at the compressive Ol/Opx interface. Our experiments provide evidence for two previously overlooked effects relevant to rim growth reactions in metamorphic rocks: (i) diffusivity along chemical potential gradients to reaction sites is a function of rheology and (ii) the relative diffusivity of components during reaction rim or corona growth is a function of local volume changes at the rim's interfaces.     

The role of disaggregated renewable energy consumption on income and load capacity factor: A novel inclusive sustainable growth approach

Stimulating renewable energy consumption is a major focus of the Sustainable Development Goals in combating climate change and global warming. The International Energy Agency estimates that renewable energy consumption should be doubled to achieve the COP21 targets. In this context, the question is whether renewable energy types promote the improvement of ecological quality and economic growth. Most studies have investigated the influence of renewable energy on ecological pollution using carbon dioxide emissions or ecological footprint indicators, which only represent the pollution caused by human consumption patterns, and these indicators neglect the supply side. Motivated by this point, this study uses the LCF (Load Capacity Factor) as an environmental indicator and examines the causality relationship among different types of renewable energy, income, and environmental quality in the USA, while also incorporating employment and capital stock into the analysis. Through using the Fourier causality test with the wavelet-decomposed series, the study explores for the validity of the renewable energy-based growth hypothesis and answers to the question of whether there is a causal effect of renewable energy types on environmental quality. The results demonstrate that there is a bidirectional causality between total renewable energy, wood, biomass, and economic growth as well as between these renewable energy types and the LCF.     

Paleomagnetic evidence for a stationary Marion hotspot: Additional paleomagnetic data from Madagascar

The island of Madagascar experienced widespread magmatism at ca. 90 Ma due to its interaction with the Marion hotspot. Previous paleomagnetic data from igneous rocks in the southwestern and northwestern regions of the island indicated that the Marion hotspot has remained fixed for the past 90 Ma. We report paleomagnetic data from northeastern Madagascar (d'Analava Complex). Samples were collected from basalts, rhyolites, gabbros and a dolerite dyke. Sixty samples from 5 sites yield a paleomagnetic pole at 66.7°S, 43.5°E (A95 = 10.7°) and a grand mean pole (GMP) calculated from 10 different studies covering the entire island of Madagascar falls at 68.9°S, 49.0°E (A95 = 4.4°). This pole translates to a paleolatitude for the Volcan de l'Androy (focal point of the hotspot) at 45.2° + 6°/− 5°S compared to the current location of the Marion hotspot at  46°S. Our results confirm, and expand upon, previous studies that argue for the fixity of the Marion hotspot for the past 90 Ma.     

Hydrothermal processes associated with meteorite impact structures: evidence from three Australian examples and implications for economic resources

Meteorite impacts cause conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy. Part of this thermal energy is used to form a melt sheet, part is dissipated to heat the target rocks and these together with the hot rocks that elastically rebound from the depth of several kilometres (central uplift) activate hydrothermal circulation. Impact-generated hydrothermal systems have been documented from several impact structures world-wide. Three Australian examples—Shoemaker, Woodleigh and Yarrabubba—provide evidence of hydrothermal fluid flow both within and around the structures. Field observations, and petrographic and geochemical data suggest a common evolutionary trend of post-impact hydrothermal activity from early high-temperature alkali metasomatism to a later lower temperature H⁺ metasomatism, resulting in the overprinting by hydrous mineral assemblages. Hydrothermal systems activated by meteorite-impact events are important because they may also form economic mineral deposits, as is documented for several impact structures in the world. A working model of hydrothermal circulation in terrestrial impact structures posits two main stages: (i) initial high-temperature fluids percolate downward causing widespread alkali metasomatism of the shattered target rocks below the melt sheet, resulting in their modification to rocks of syenitic affinity; and (ii) inflow of meteoric water and progressive cooling of the melt sheet leads to a lower temperature stage, in which hydrothermal fluid flow tends to move upward, resulting in mineral assemblages and alteration patterns that resemble those of epithermal systems. In addition, these fluids can discharge at the surface as hot springs.     

Episodic crustal growth in the Tanzania Craton: evidence from Nd isotope compositions

The analysis of available Nd isotope data from the Tanzania Craton places important constraints on the crust-mantle separation ages, and events marking juvenile crustal addition and crustal recycling. Nd model ages date the oldest crust extraction to 3.16 Ga in the Tanzania Craton, although a rock record of such antiquity is yet to be found there. The most significant period of juvenile crustal addition as well as crustal recycling is 2.7–2.6 Ga. The Nd isotopes of mafic samples show that chemical heterogeneity existed in the mantle beneath the Tanzania Craton, with some samples originating from significantly depleted mantle, and most samples originating from the mixture of primitive mantle and depleted mantle. The Nd isotope section reveals significant differences in Nd isotopes between the north craton and central craton; compared to the north craton, the central craton yields a Nd model age that is approximately 100 Ma older, and its ε_Nd(t) values are more negative, indicating that the two parts of the craton have different mantle source regions. Different types of granitoids are distributed in the Tanzania Craton, such as high-K and low-Al granite, calc-alkaline granite, peraluminous granite and transitional types of tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorites (TTGs). Most of the granitoids formed later than the mafic rocks in syn-collision and post-collision events.     

The growth of Early Proterozoic crust: new evidence from Svecofennian detrital zircons

Ion microprobe U-Pb analyses of zircons from the 1.9 Gyr old Svecofennian metasediments demonstrate the presence of both Archaean and early Proterozoic grains, whereas all conventional multi-grain analyses give apparent U-Pb ages of about 2.3 Gyr. Most zircons are 1.9–2.0 Gyr old suggesting that a major, still unknown early Proterozoic terrain older than 1.9 Ga supplied detritus to the early orogenic Svecofennian turbidites. These results imply that the formation of early Proterozoic felsic crust started c . 100 Myr earlier than has previously been inferred from isotopic data. Models in which Nd model ages of 2.1–2.4 Gyr have been interpreted as real crustal formation ages are not supported by our results.     

Continental crustal growth and the supercontinental cycle: evidence from the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Studies of supercontinental cycle are mainly concentrated on the assembly, breakup and dispersal of supercontinents, and studies of continental crustal growth largely on the growth and loss (recycling) of the crust. These two problems have long been studied separately from each other. The Paleozoic–Mesozoic granites in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt have commonly positive Nd values, implying large-scale continental crustal growth in the Phanerozoic. They coincided temporally and spatially with the Phanerozoic Pangea supercontinental cycle, and overlapped in space with the P-wave high-V anomalies and calculated positions of subducted slabs for the last 180 Ma, all this suggests that the Phanerozoic Laurasia supercontinental assembly was accompanied by large-scale continental crustal growth in central Asia. Based on these observations, this paper proposes that there may be close and original correlations between a supercontinental cycle, continental crustal growth and catastrophic slab avalanches in the mantle. In this model we suggest that rapid continental crustal growth occurred during supercontinent assembly, whereas during supercontinental breakup and dispersal new additions of the crust were balanced by losses, resulting in a steady state system. Supercontinental cycle and continental crustal growth are both governed by changing patterns of mantle convection.