A factorial ecologically-extended input-output model for analyzing urban GHG emissions metabolism system

Abstract

Increasing urbanization in the world brings tremendous social, economic and environmental challenges. It is essential to fully analyze urban GHG emissions metabolism systems to reveal economic emissions reduction pathways and support sustainable development. In this study, a factorial-based ecologically-extended input-output (FEEIO) model is developed to facilitate urban GHG emissions metabolism analysis. A special case study of the Province in Saskatchewan, Canada, is conducted to illustrate the potential benefits of its use in urban metabolism system health diagnosis. A factorial analysis is introduced to further investigate the effects of the main factors and their interactions. It is found that an urban GHG emissions metabolism system differs from other metabolism systems in regards to its special structure. A high efficiency represents limited emissions pathways in an urban GHG emissions metabolism system, which further provides good opportunities to realize GHG emissions mitigation. In the Province of Saskatchewan, the urban GHG emissions system has high redundancy and low efficiency across twenty scenarios. The GHG emissions from other sources are much simpler than emissions from coal, which further indicates that the emissions from other sources are easier to control through technology improvements or industrial regulations for specific sectors.