A group of Nigerian researchers, led by Ajide Folorunsho from the Department of Economics at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, has released a study focusing on understanding the intricate relationship between business practices and environmental impact.

The research work, titled “Business Climate and Environmental Degradation,” presents compelling evidence that business operations significantly influence ecological quality, demonstrating how business climates contribute to environmental degradation.

The team, which includes Oladipupo Sodiq Abiodun from the Department of Economics at Western Michigan University, USA and Kenny Soyemi from the Department of Accounting at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, highlighted crucial insights into the environmental consequences of the business climate in Africa.

The pivotal work has been recognised for its innovative approach to integrating economic and environmental disciplines, providing a quantitative analysis that decisively links the ease of doing business with increased ecological footprints.

The implications of the team’s findings are profound, suggesting that while policies aimed at improving the business climate are crucial for economic development, they must be balanced with robust environmental safeguards.

The balance is essential to ensure that economic advancements do not come at an unsustainable cost to the environment and the research work has attracted the attention of policymakers, academic institutions, and investors interested in sustainable development and ecological conservation.

The research not only advances the academic understanding of environmental economics but also serves as a critical resource for governments and organizations striving to implement sustainable business practices that support both economic growth and environmental preservation.

The global recognition of the study underscores the importance of investing in and supporting comprehensive research that addresses the complex challenges at the intersection of economics and environmental health.

The targeted research can lead to significant advancements in both theory and practice, guiding future efforts to achieve a sustainable and prosperous global economy.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date

Open In Whatsapp