Uncovering the trade-induced air pollution inequality among Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries

Abstract

Although trade does not only boost the economy but also exacerbates environmental transfers but still the evidence for air pollution's unequal exchange embodied in trade among the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries is rarely discussed in the extant literature. From the perspective of an integrated evaluation framework comprising a multi-regional input-output model, system balance theory, and complex network theory, this research paper uncovers the spatial- and temporal changes of trade-induced air pollution inequality among countries along the BRI route for the time period from 2011 to 2016. The study findings point out that there exists an obvious spatial heterogeneity in the unequal relations among BRI economies. This implies that a large number of country pairs demonstrate weak inequalities, whereas a relatively small number of country pairs represent strong inequalities. In addition, the countries' positions indicate a unique characteristic of “duality and inverse”, which is majorly manifested as pure causers represented by Moldova and Belarus, net beneficiaries symbolized by China and Russia, and pure victims exemplified by Bhutan. Meanwhile, nearly half of the dual identities are represented by Singapore. Besides this, the proposal and implementation of the BRI exert a positive influence on both system stability and inequality mitigation by supporting the balance of triangles. Finally, this paper posits that the environmental inequality system of the Belt and Road is not as complex as imagined since the 3-node motif classification is relatively simple. Our findings are helpful for mitigating air pollution inequalities so as to support the sustainable development of green BRI.