The study looked at how economic growth affects the environment in seven African countries from 1970 to 2019. By using a special type of analysis called quantile regression, the researchers found that the impact of economic growth on CO2 emissions varies at different levels of emissions. They discovered that economic growth tends to increase CO2 emissions, especially in the middle range of emissions. However, the square of economic growth actually decreases emissions at higher levels. This supports the idea that as economies grow, they initially pollute more, but eventually start polluting less. Policymakers should consider these different effects when trying to reduce carbon emissions.