Using individual- and panel country-level data from 118 countries for the period 1981–2020, this study investigates the effects of national- and individual-level economic and environmental factors on subjective well-being (SWB). Two individual SWB indicators are selected: the feeling of happiness and life satisfaction. Additionally, two environmental factors are also considered: CO2 emissions by country level and personal perspective on environmental protection. The ordered probit estimation results show that CO2 emissions have a significant negative effect on SWB, and a higher perspective on environmental protection has a significant and positive effect. Compared with the average marginal effect of national income, CO2 emissions are a more important determinant of SWB when considering a personal perspective on protecting the environment. The estimation results are robust to various estimation model specifications: inclusion of additional air pollutants (CH4 and N2O), PM 2.5 and various sample groupings. This study makes a novel contribution by providing comprehensive insights into how both individual environmental attitudes and national pollution levels jointly influence subjective well-being.

The increasing epileptic electricity supply, mainly in the residential areas of Nigerian cities, has been linked to the incorrect knowledge of the numerous socio-economic and physical indices that influence household electricity usage. Most of the seemingly identified explanatory factors were done at macro level which does not give a clear estimate of this electricity demand. The thrust of the study is to analyse empirically the household electricity determinants in Nigerian cities with a view to evolving a more informed and sustainable energy policy decision. Multistage area cluster sampling method was adopted in the study where 769 copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to electricity users of prepaid meters in five major Nigerian cities. The research hypothesis was tested using the multiple linear regression statistical tool. The result revealed that nine variables which include age (r = 0.05, p-value: 0.05), household income (r = 0.00, p-value: 0.05), number of hours that people stay outside the house (r = 0.043, p-value: 0.05), number of teenagers at home, (r = 0.006, p-value: 0.01) number of electrical appliances (r = 0.016, p-value: 0.01), type of house (r = 0.012, p-value: 0.01), hours that the electrical appliances are used (r = 0.043, p-value: 0.05), weather condition, (r = 0.011, p-value: 0.05) and the location of the building (r = 0.045, p-value: 0.05) were significant in determining the household electricity consumption. Policies based on the findings will give energy and urban planners an empirical basis for accurate and robust forecasting of the determinants that influence household electricity consumption in Nigeria that is devoid of any speculation or unfounded predictions.

The COVID-19 pandemic occasioned significant changes in many aspects of human life. The education system is one of the most impacted sectors during the pandemic. With the contagious nature of the disease, governments around the world encouraged social distancing between individuals to prevent the spread of the virus. This led to the shutdown of many academic institutions, to avoid mass gatherings and overcrowded places. Developed and developing countries either postponed their academic activities or used digital technologies to reach learners remotely. The study examined the benefits of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants for the study consist of 5 lecturers and 30 students from the ML Sultan Campus of the Durban University of Technology, South Africa. Data was collected using open-ended interviews. Content analysis was applied to analyze the data collected. Data was collected until it was saturated. Different ways were implemented to make online learning and teaching successful. The findings identified that the benefits of online learning were that it promotes independent learning, flexible learning adaptability and others.

This study investigates the multifaceted challenges and barriers to implementing public auditor recommendations in Ghana’s public sector over an eighteen months period, aiming to enhance governance and accountability. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study involved semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including officials from the Ghana Audit Service, government ministries, and civil society organizations. The findings reveal a complex interplay of organizational, political, and attitudinal factors that impede effective implementation. Key challenges identified include the lack of clear implementation plans, insufficient resources, weak political commitment, and a pervasive culture of mistrust towards audit recommendations. The research underscores the necessity for a comprehensive and holistic approach to address these barriers, advocating for strengthened political leadership, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and improved stakeholder coordination. Additionally, fostering a sense of ownership and buy-in among implementation stakeholders is crucial for successful reform. The study contributes valuable insights into the systemic issues affecting public sector governance in Ghana and offers practical recommendations for overcoming the identified challenges, ultimately aiming to empower citizens and enhance governmental accountability. By addressing these barriers, the research highlights the potential for transformative change in the governance landscape of Ghana’s public sector.