Define, process and describe the intersectoral embedded carbon flow network in China

Kaiyao Wu,Tinggan Yang,Xiaoyan Wei

doi:10.1016/j.mex.2019.08.003

Abstract

This article focuses on defining the intersectoral embedded carbon flow network as a matrix to mimic the complex economic-energy-environment symbiotic system in China. We propose a set of synthetical methodologies, which combines life cycle assessment (LCA) and social network analysis (SNA) in the input–output framework. The nodes and relations between nodes in the network are delicately designed such that these relations, which represent the carbon intensity of total intersectoral input between sectors, can be comparable among sectors and over time. Subsequently, based on longitudinal data of input–output tables in China, we derive, sequentialize and dichotomize matrices in order to apply the SNA method to describe the evolution of the intersectoral embedded carbon flow network. The SNA methods used include network visualization, triad census, cohesion metrics, position metrics and core–periphery modeling. Our synthetical methodologies provide a potential systematic solution to carbon reduction in China and help policy makers determine policy priorities rationally.•By constructing an intersectoral embedded carbon flow network matrix, we provide an easily explicable map to aid in the investigation and research in human derived CO2 emissions embedded in the network.•By describing the longitudinal network matrices with SNA, the evolution of the complex economic-energy-environment symbiotic system in China can be mapped out, such as an example illustrated in Wu et al. [1].

Highlights

By constructing an intersectoral embedded carbon flow network matrix, we provide an explicable map to aid in the investigation and research in human derived CO2 emissions embedded in the network
Most literatures only use input–output models to derive metrics measuring sectoral or national behavior [6,7,8], such as carbon intensity [9]; the abundant source of information related to network structure in the input–output models, especially interaction and network between sectors, was largely ignored, leading to only an obscure understanding of the system
We attempt to imitate the complex economic-energy-environment system in China through an input–output (IO) based intersectoral embedded CO2 emission flow network, which consists of employing both life cycle assessment (LCA) and social network analysis (SNA) in order to derive valuable insights into carbon emissions embedded in the complex symbiotic system network

Summary

Introduction

Since sectors are an economic component of the whole complex system which consumes energy and produces carbon emissions, intersectoral carbon flow embedded in the supply chain is correspondingly regarded as an interactive link among sectors. We attempt to imitate the complex economic-energy-environment system in China through an input–output (IO) based intersectoral embedded CO2 emission flow network, which consists of employing both life cycle assessment (LCA) and social network analysis (SNA) in order to derive valuable insights into carbon emissions embedded in the complex symbiotic system network.

Results

Conclusion