There is a great controversy over the relationship between “environmental degradation and poverty. While some argue that the causality flows from poverty to environment (i.e. poverty granger cause environmental degradation), others argue that the causality flows from environment to poverty (i.e. environmental degradation granger cause poverty). Given the above controversy the study aimed at examining the relationship between environmental degradation and poverty in Nigeria. The study adopted the econometric technique of data analysis. The data were subjected to unit root testing using the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test and the result established that the variables are stationary at level. This informed the use of multiple regression analysis technique and the result established that a direct relationship exists between environmental degradation and poverty in Nigeria. A direct relationship also exists between total greenhouse emission and poverty level in Nigeria, while an inverse relationship exists between population growth and poverty in Nigeria. The study therefore concludes that environmental degradation in Nigeria”. To remedy the situation, the following policy recommendations were put forward; carbon dioxide emission should be regulated and environmental laws religiously implemented and defaulting companies’ license withdrawn.

Keywords : Environment, Degradation, Poverty, Population and Emissions