Carbon Emission and Structure Analysis of Transport Industry Based on Input-output Method: China as an Example

Abstract

Due to its enormous carbon dioxide emissions, China's transport industry has become a key area for energy conservation and emission reduction. In this study, we employ the input-output method to examine the carbon dioxide emissions caused by the transport industry's energy consumption. In addition, the structure decomposition method is used to analyze the transport industry's carbon dioxide emissions in depth. The results of the research work deserve the attention of policy makers. First, the direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions of road transport account for 53 % and 47 % of the transport industry. Second, the direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions caused by consumption expenditure account for 55 % and 56 % of the final use structure respectively. Third, the carbon dioxide emissions produced by the five heavy industries when meeting the final use of the transport industry account for 75 % of all industries. Fourth, the adjustment of energy structure and energy intensity is expected to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of the transport industry by 101,963 and 128,313kt in 2035 compared with the baseline scenario. The results indicate that, to control carbon dioxide emissions in the transport industry, special attention should be paid to road transport activity, consumption expenditure in the transport industry, the influence of other heavy industries, the adjustment of energy structure and energy intensity. Consequently, informatization of road transportation, development of public transportation, investment in high-tech industries, and aggressive development of clean energy become essential strategies.