MODELLING THE IMPACT OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND URBANIZATION ON ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN SOUTH AFRICA: ASSESSING THE MODERATING ROLE OF HUMAN CAPITAL

Apart from being the most urbanized and largest emitter of CO2 emissions in Africa, South Africa currently harbours an ecological deficit territory mainly due to its desire attain more growth with less attention natural environment. Since environmental distortions are outcome human activities, this study becomes first investigate linkage between resource (NR), capital, energy consumption, footprint (EF) Africa. Findings long-run results reveal that resource, economic growth, urbanization add EF, while capital curtails deterioration. The interaction helps mitigating degradation, which suggests a moderating effect urban sustainability. CCR, DOLS FMOLS confirm robustness findings. A feedback causality exists EF. Natural resources also Granger cause Lastly, policies relating sustainability development discussed.Keywords: Energy Consumption; Resource; Human Capital; Urbanization; Ecological Footprint; Africa.JEL Classifications: Q40, Q45, Q32.DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.11099