Carbon emissions embodied in demand–supply chains in China

Abstract

Using the multi-regional input–output model (MRIO), the paper distinguishes the carbon emissions embodied in commodities for domestic final consumption (CBEs, consumption-based emissions) and those for export (EBEs, export-based emissions), and then calculates carbon emissions embodied in the demand–supply chains for consumption and export based on technical coefficients matrix of the MRIO for one country. Taking China as an example, we provide a dynamic analysis of CBEs, EBEs, and carbon emissions embodied in consumption and export demand–supply chains at the sub-national level based on the MRIO tables for 1997 and 2007. The results show that, in China, the transferred carbon emissions embodied in demand–supply chains driven by consumption and export both showed rapid growth during 1997–2007. And the net transferred carbon emissions embodied in the demand–supply chains showed an increasing trend as well. Less developed regions with abundant fossil fuels tend to net flow out carbon emissions.