Multi-regional Input-output Model Research Articles

Spatial diffusion of the socio-economic effects from the deployment of energy technologies in Spain

ABSTRACT The paper covers an application to spatial economic analysis, based on a multiregional input-output model. Considering the challenges of the energy sector, this method is applied to analyse the spatial diffusion of the effect, of Spanish investment in different energy technologies covering several energy policy scenarios, in terms of added value and employment. Sector disaggregation is also analysed. Results show that renewable energy sources offer excellent opportunities for economic and employment growth at the global level. Spanish renewable energy deployment has positive spillover effects in China and Germany, but its impact on Spanish social and economic development is not significant.

Temporal-spatial evolution of environmental inequality of embodied energy transfer within inter-provincial trade of China

Reducing embodied energy inequality is the key to achieve sustainable development. However, research on the spatial-temporal impacts of embodied energy transfer within inter-provincial trade and regional energy inequality is insufficient. Taking the embodied energy inequality of China as the research object, this research establishes the environmentally extended multi-regional input-output model, traces the transfer path of embodied energy and value-added along the national supply chain, and calculates the embodied energy inequality using the regional environmental inequality index. The results show that the developed eastern coastal provinces mainly outsourced the consumption-based embodied energy to the developing regions, such as the northern provinces. Among them, S3 and S4 were the key sectors responsible for embodied energy consumption. Furthermore, when the developed regions traded with the developing regions, the value-added brought by their final demand was mainly retained locally. Some developing regions suffered double losses of embodied energy and value-added, leading to embodied energy inequality. From 2012 to 2017, China's inter-provincial trade witnessed a slight increase in the degree of embodied energy inequality. This study helps to understand the mismatch between domestic environmental burden and economic benefits from the perspective of inter-provincial trade, and provides a decision-making basis for realizing regional equity.

Water Footprint Flow and Vulnerability of China’s Provincial Energy Sector

Water and energy are mutually reinforcing elements in production and consumption activities, forming an inseparable relationship. This study, conducted at the provincial level, investigates the intricate connections between energy water footprint flow, water shortage, and water pollution. It aims to elucidate the vulnerability of provincial energy sectors to water use, fostering regional coordinated management for sustainable energy and water development. Utilizing a multi-regional input–output model, the research analyzes both the quantity and quality of water resources. The water footprint of China’s provincial energy sector is quantified and scrutinized. Furthermore, an evaluation index system is constructed based on the water footprint concept. The entropy weight TOPSIS method is then applied to assess the vulnerability of inter-provincial energy sector water footprints. The key findings are as follows: (1) The energy water footprint has shifted from water resource-deficient areas, such as the northwest, North China, and northeast, to economically developed regions with relatively abundant water resources, such as East China and South China. This reveals that the transfer of water footprints in economic activities does not entirely alleviate water shortages in China and may even exacerbate shortages in certain water-deficient areas. (2) The graywater footprint of the energy sector is significantly larger than the blue water footprint and water shortage footprint. (3) The production and supply departments of power and heat emerge as the largest contributors to the transfer of energy and water footprints from water shortage areas to water-rich areas, followed by coal mining and dressing departments. (4) Top 10 Vulnerable Provinces: Tibet, Zhejiang, Ningxia, Tianjin, Jiangsu, Henan, Hunan, Beijing, Chongqing, and Hebei are identified as the top 10 provinces vulnerable to water footprints in the energy sector. This vulnerability closely correlates with the energy sector’s dependence on water footprints and production leverage. Recommendations include optimizing the energy mix and establishing stable external water footprint supply channels for provinces with high water footprint dependence. Provinces with high production leverage are advised to accelerate innovation and application of water-saving technologies in key energy sectors, increase the utilization of clean energy, and enhance resource recycling. National government departments should focus on controlling and reducing water pollutants in the energy sector across regions, addressing water shortages by purifying water bodies and improving water quality.

Quantifying the teleconnections of carbon storage in construction land and its socioeconomic driving forces in Guangdong Province

The development of regional trade has fostered teleconnections in land resource across various regions, emerging as a pivotal influence on the expansion of construction land. However, the potential consequences of regional trade on carbon storage associated with construction land remain largely unquantified. Therefore, this study zeroes in on Guangdong Province as the focal point, employing China's multiregional input-output model to quantify interregional teleconnections and delineate changes in carbon storage. Through meticulous analysis, it seeks to pinpoint the catalysts driving these alterations in teleconnections. By delving into the latest teleconnections within Guangdong, the study unveils the ramifications of the province's trade scale and structure with other provinces on carbon storage, thereby identifying imperative avenues for carbon storage preservation. The findings underscore that during the study period, the expansion of construction land in Guangdong Province precipitated a notable loss of land carbon storage, amounting to 2.6 Tg C, primarily sourced from forests and arable land. Concurrently, the total carbon flow surged by 20.77 Tg C, propelled by a 4.63 Tg C influx and a 16.05 Tg C outflow, resulting in a net inflow decrease of 11.51 Tg C. This delineates the influence of external forces on carbon storage within Guangdong Province, with the surge primarily attributed to heightened external demand, notably for construction land. Nevertheless, technological advancements have partially alleviated the impact of this demand surge on carbon storage. The outcomes of this study underscore the pivotal role of external linkages in shaping carbon storage dynamics and furnish invaluable insights for steering future regional endeavors towards carbon neutrality objectives.

Forced labour in the fashion industry: a hypothetical EU-driven reorganisation of textile value chains

Given recent breakdowns in global value chains, like the COVID-19 crisis or the conflict in Ukraine, developed economies are trying to develop resilience to address future drawbacks. Backshoring and nearshoring arise as attractive solutions to reduce exposure to global disruptions and undesirable practices such as forced labour. This study analyses the labour impacts of a hypothetical EU-driven reconfiguration of value chains of the fashion industry through a multi-regional input-output model. Using the Structural Path Analysis methodology, how forced labour is transmitted within Europe is explored. Once the forced labour hotspots are determined, we explore the socioeconomic consequences of a trade-restructuring strategy simulated through the source-shifting technique. Our results show that the forced labour embodied in the European final demand for fashion products could fall by up to 34.2%. This strategy could generate more than 190,000 jobs in Europe, while China and India could lose more than 1.5 million jobs each.

Virtual Water Embodied in Interregional Energy Trade in China: A City-Level Analysis.

Large volumes of water are used in energy production for both primary (e.g., fuel extraction) and secondary energy (e.g., electricity). In countries such as China, with a large internal trade in fuels and long-distance transmission grids, this can result in considerable water inequalities. Previous research focused on the water impacts of energy production at the national and provincial levels, which is too coarse to identify the spatial differences and make specific case studies. Here, we take the next step toward a spatially explicit economically integrated water-use for energy assessment by combining a bottom-up assessment approach with a city-level multiregional input-output model. Specifically, we examine the water consumption of energy production in China, distinguishing between water for primary and secondary energy at the level of coal mines, oil and gas fields, and power plants for the first time. Of the total energy-related freshwater consumption of 4.9 Gm3 in 2017, primary energy accounted for 19% (940 Mm3) and secondary energy accounted for 81% (3955 Mm3). Coal was the largest water consumer for both primary and secondary energy (540 and 3880 Mm3, respectively), with both oil (361, and 0.5 Mm3, respectively) and gas (7 and 69 Mm3, respectively) also consuming large amounts. Intercity virtual water, that is, water embodied in energy trade across cities, reached 54% (2.6 Gm3) of energy-related freshwater consumption. Across China, 32% of cities see a bilateral trade in secondary- and primary-energy-related virtual water (e.g., Daqing city exports virtual water embodied in primary fuel to other cities that is then used to produce electricity in those cities, part of which is used back in Daqing via transmission). For these 32% of cities, 73% export more virtual water than import and 27% import more virtual water than export. This study reveals significant differences in city-level virtual water patterns (e.g., scale and direction) between primary and secondary energy to provide information for cities about their virtual water inflow and outflow and the potential collaboration partners for water management.

Regional disparities in health and employment outcomes of China’s transition to a low-carbon electricity system

Understanding the costs and the spatial distribution of health and employment outcomes of low-carbon electricity pathways is critical to enable an equitable transition. We integrate an electricity system planning model (GridPath), a health impact model (InMAP), and a multiregional input–output model to quantify China’s provincial-level impacts of electricity system decarbonization on costs, health outcomes, employment, and labor compensation. We find that even without specific CO2 constraints, declining renewable energy and storage costs enable a 26% decline in CO2 emissions in 2040 compared to 2020 under the Reference scenario. Compared to the Reference scenario, pursuing 2 °C and 1.5 °C compatible carbon emission targets (85% and 99% decrease in 2040 CO2 emissions relative to 2020 levels, respectively) reduces air pollution-related premature deaths from electricity generation over 2020–2040 by 51% and 63%, but substantially increases annual average costs per unit of electricity demand in 2040 (21% and 39%, respectively). While the 2 °C pathway leads to a 3% increase in electricity sector-related net labor compensation, the 1.5 °C pathway results in a 19% increase in labor compensation driven by greater renewable energy deployment. Although disparities in health impacts across provinces narrow as fossil fuels phase out, disparities in labor compensation widen with wealthier East Coast provinces gaining the most in labor compensation because of materials and equipment manufacturing, and offshore wind deployment.

Evolution of spatiotemporal pattern of virtual water in the Yangtze River economic belt

Cross-regional water allocation within the river basin, coupled with the development of specialized industries based on comparative advantages, can effectively mediate overall water use efficiency. The uneven distribution of water resources and structural contradictions in water usage hinder the sustainable development of water resources in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB). This study aims to address these issues from the perspective of virtual water trade, to facilitate cross-regional water resource allocation and guide structural adjustments in industrial water use, ensuring water security. In this study, we developed a dynamic multi-regional input–output model (MRIO) to explore dynamic change of virtual water trade pattern in the YEB that evolves over time. This model sheds light on evolving virtual water transfer patterns and the nuances of water resource pressure transmission. Additionally, it quantifies sectoral water use variations, pinpointing the cornerstone industries across different regions. The findings are as follows: (1) The pattern of virtual water transfer predominantly towards the developed downstream regions remains unchanged, but regional disparities are gradually diminishing. (2) The upstream regions of the YEB transfer more water resource pressures externally, while the downstream regions do not experience excessive external transfers of water resource pressures. (3) The pattern of Agriculture-driven virtual water transfers is gradually being disrupted. While the upstream regions continue to rely on Agriculture as their pillar industries, the downstream regions are progressively shifting towards tertiary industries such as Service. These results indicate that economic development is the primary driver of changes in the the pattern of virtual water transfer, and economic disparities are a key factor in shaping the latest virtual water transfer. Based on existing policies, there is a need for comprehensive coordination of water resource allocation and strengthening of virtual water trade exchanges between regions to address the uneven distribution of water resources. Additionally, it is necessary to resolve structural water use conflicts by developing specialized economic strengths based on the main industries for virtual water in each region.

Agricultural plastic pollution in China: Sources, supply chain drivers, and mitigation strategies

Plastic pollution from agricultural production poses discernible risks to food security and safety. This work endeavors to address the gap of quantification and traceability of agricultural plastic pollution by estimating plastic loss associated with diverse farm activities and explore potential mitigation strategies. Results revealed that annual agricultural plastic pollution in China amounted to 570 kt. The main sources of the pollution were identified as the use of mulching film in agriculture production, farming practices employed for vegetable and fruit production, and the geographical distribution of agricultural activities, particularly in provinces of Xinjiang and Shandong in China. From a production perspective, thicker agricultural film substitution proved a more cost-effective mitigation than biodegradable alternatives for most provinces. Applying a nested multiregional input-output model, interprovincial and international final demand drivers of pollution were identified primarily from eastern China, the United States, and Japan. At the provincial level, the most significant sectoral driving force of provincial agricultural plastic pollution is primary agricultural products, followed by processed foods and textile-related products. The study highlights the imperatives for more inclusive plastic pollution monitoring and comprehensive consumption behavior guidance for sustainable agriculture.

Tracking the consumption-based CO2 emissions of typical Chinese megacities in multiscale economies

Accurately tracking consumption-based CO2 emissions of megacities is crucial for clarifying regional mitigation responsibility. However, without a general emission framework, it's challenging to accomplish comparative studies of multi-megacities by quantitative carbon flow analyses. Here, we constructed a megacity-centred multilevel emission accounting framework and developed a methodology based on the revised multiscale multi-regional input-output model. Our approach integrates in-boundary and trans-boundary carbon flow driven by final demand and thus constructs urban classifications based on self-constructed consumption degree. The results indicate heterogeneity and commonality of megacities' consumption-based emissions in spatial and industrial distribution. Trans-boundary consumption-based emissions account for 81%–93% of the total in megacities, mainly from mainland China. While the majority of megacities are net importers overall, for relatively developed regions, megacities with low consumption degrees remain net exporters. At sector-level, 3 key sectors of other manufacturing, construction and services drive more than 75% of emissions. Inspired by the results, we propose differentiated carbon governance implications based on urban emission pattern classification, exploring priorities for emission reduction. Our research indicated the need for megacities as pioneers to consider consumption-side emission reductions.

Analysis of the evolution and drivers of carbon inequality based on a human well-being equity perspective

Regional development imbalances lead to the geographic separation of producers and consumers in interregional trade, thus resulting in an unequal distribution of carbon emissions (CE) and human well-being (HWB). Few studies have analyzed the long-term dynamic evolution and driving factors of interregional carbon inequality from the perspective of HWB equity. This study calculates the changes in embodied CE and HWB and their interregional flows and changes in carbon inequality in 2007, 2012, and 2017 using a multiregional input‒output (MRIO) model, and analyzes the drivers of interregional CE/HWB transfer, and then makes policy implications. The results indicate that carbon inequality in China shows a worsening trend because of the mismatch between the change in CE transfers in carbon-intensive sectors and the change in HWB transfers in economic and social capital. At the national level, CE intensity, HWB intensity, production structure, and per capita consumption have the most significant effects on embodied CE and embodied HWB. The direction of the factor drivers affecting interregional net carbon emissions (NCE) and net human well-being (NWB) transfer depends largely on the resource endowment and the extent of the effects of the different drivers and development status of two regions. This study provides a new perspective for analyzing the evolution of carbon inequality in China and provides important insights for reducing carbon inequality and realizing carbon equity.

Revealing the nexus profile of agricultural water–land–food–GHG flows in China

Revealing the nexus between agricultural water, land, and greenhouse gases (GHGs) associated with food trade is important for the harmonious development of agricultural resource elements and the guarantee of food security. In this study, we develop a water-land-food-GHG (WLFG) nexus to portray the virtual water, virtual land, and embodied GHG transfers associated with the food trade considering China’s three major food crops (rice, wheat, and maize) by combing environmentally-extended multi-region input-output model with Penman-Monteith equation, crop coefficient method, and IPCC coefficient method. The WLFG coupling coordination relationship was further explored for proposing policy recommendations on the synergy optimization of WLFG. The results showed source structure similarities between crop water requirements and agricultural GHG, with virtual water, land and embodied GHG flows related to the food trade patterns. In 2017, China's total virtual water, virtual land, and embodied GHG transfer flows were 376.85 billion m3, 88.17 million ha, and 391.89 Mt CO2-eq respectively, increasing by 28.42%, 33.25%, and 55.2% compared to 2007. Overall, China’s average WLFG coupling coordination rises slightly on both supply and demand side. This study provides guidance for the synergistic management and sustainable development of agricultural WLFG nexus system.

Water consumption and biodiversity: Responses to global emergency events

Given that it was a once-in-a-century emergency event, the confinement measures related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused diverse disruptions and changes in life and work patterns. These changes significantly affected water consumption both during and after the pandemic, with direct and indirect consequences on biodiversity. However, there has been a lack of holistic evaluation of these responses. Here, we propose a novel framework to study the impacts of this unique global emergency event by embedding an environmentally extended supply-constrained global multiregional input-output model (MRIO) into the drivers-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework. This framework allowed us to develop scenarios related to COVID-19 confinement measures to quantify country-sector-specific changes in freshwater consumption and the associated changes in biodiversity for the period of 2020–2025. The results suggest progressively diminishing impacts due to the implementation of COVID-19 vaccines and the socio-economic system’s self-adjustment to the new normal. In 2020, the confinement measures were estimated to decrease global water consumption by about 5.7% on average across all scenarios when compared to the baseline level with no confinement measures. Further, such a decrease is estimated to lead to a reduction of around 5% in the related pressure on biodiversity. Given the interdependencies and interactions across global supply chains, even those countries and sectors that were not directly affected by the COVID-19 shocks experienced significant impacts: Our results indicate that the supply chain propagations contributed to 79% of the total estimated decrease in water consumption and 84% of the reduction in biodiversity loss on average. Our study demonstrates that the MRIO-enhanced DSPIR framework can help quantify resource pressures and the resultant environmental impacts across supply chains when facing a global emergency event. Further, we recommend the development of more locally based water conservation measures—to mitigate the effects of trade disruptions—and the explicit inclusion of water resources in post-pandemic recovery schemes. In addition, innovations that help conserve natural resources are essential for maintaining environmental gains in the post-pandemic world.

Unequal transfer and its policy implications of carbon emissions and economic benefits embodied among Central Plains urban agglomeration

Tracing the carbon emissions and economic benefits embodied in trade is crucial for the equitable allocation of mitigation responsibilities, particularly among cities in China, where studies on this topic are lacking. Therefore, this study selected the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration (CPUA) as a representative region. It compiled carbon emissions inventories following the 2006 IPCC guidelines and employed the multi-regional input-output model to investigate the trade-attributed embodied carbon emissions and value-added. Additionally, it estimated the unequal transfers of these emissions and value-added by introducing the City Carbon Emissions Inequality index (CCEI). The results indicate that the CPUA received net carbon emissions of 454.99 and 330.95 Mt. from outside regions from 2012 to 2017. Nearly half of the territorial carbon emissions were driven by the consumption of other cities, and Zhengzhou and its surrounding cities transferred the most carbon emissions to the outer-ring cities by consuming the primary products produced in these cities. The construction sector was the largest exporter of both embodied emissions and economic benefits, while the energy and service industries were the largest importers of carbon emissions and economic benefits. Such imbalanced transfers contributed to carbon inequality, with the CCEI mean increasing from 0.31 to 0.38 for the exacerbation of intercity imbalances in development. Significant carbon inequality occurred between Zhengzhou and its upstream cities, e.g., Luoyang and Shangqiu, and among some neighboring cities, e.g., Yuncheng-Jincheng and Luoyang-Jiyuan. Our findings provide evidence of a need for compensation mechanisms and collaborative strategies for carbon mitigation in the urban agglomeration.

Carbon Emission Drivers and Critical Paths in the Interaction of the "Local-Domestic-International" Economic Cycle - A case study of Beijing

Abstract It is crucial to study the carbon emissions worldwide induced by urban consumption activities. Taking consumption-oriented city Beijing as an example, we constructed a nested multi-regional input-output model (MRIO), and measured carbon emissions and value-added in local, domestic, and international systems. Furthermore, the structural decomposition analysis (SDA) and structural path analysis (SPA) was applied to analyze cross-system driving forces and key paths of carbon emission changes. The conclusions show: (1) Beijing's consumption leads to the highest carbon emissions in the domestic system but the highest value-added in the local system. There is spatial inconsistency in carbon emissions and value-added. (2) The intermediate commodity input-output effect (ICIOE) of intra-domestic provinces is the main driving factors contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. In contrast, the ICIOE of inter-domestic provinces is the main factor leading to the rise. (3) In the top 10 types of key paths for Beijing’s consumption-based carbon emissions (CBCE) growth, electric power and construction sectors in domestic systems are key sectors. Chemical products and transport equipment in foreign systems are key sectors for Beijing’s CBCE decrease. Our findings suggest Beijing enhancing cross-system cooperation to achieve carbon reduction targets. JEL classification numbers: R15. Keywords: Consumption-based carbon emissions, Multi-regional input-output, Structural decomposition analysis, Structural path analysis.

Trade-Embedded GHG Emission Transfer between South Korea and the EU

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to examine the implications of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for the transfer of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) through bilateral trade between Korea and the EU. Therefore, this study points out CBAM’s observable adverse effects from a consumption-based accounting perspective and suggests the proportion of the CBAM levy that should be refunded to Korea’s carbon reduction technology development fund as a way to address this. Design/Methodology – This study uses a multi-regional input-output (MRIO) model to analyze the extent to which industry-specific GHGs are transferred to each other due to bilateral trade between Korea and the EU. Then, using the emissions embodied in the bilateral trade (EEBT) model, we calculate the CBAM levy in Korea and the amount of funds that should be returned to carbon reduction technology development as an example. Findings – Our results show that Korea is a net exporter of GHGs to the EU’s final demand, and that the EU’s consumption-based GHGs are about twice as large as Korea’s when calculating each other’s consumption-based GHGs based on the industries covered by CBAM. In addition, we calculate the intensity-based shared responsibility of Korea and the EU for emissions exported from Korea to the EU to calculate the proportion of the CBAM levy that Korea should refund, and show an example. Originality/value – This study, unlike the existing literature on consumption-based emissions, calculates the transfer of GHGs from bilateral trade between Korea and the EU from the perspective of consumption-based accounting and provides implications for CBAM. It also argues that using the EU’s CBAM revenues to develop carbon reduction technologies in countries exporting to the EU could be more effective in reducing GHGs. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for the international monitoring of the EU’s CBAM revenues to ensure fairness and transparency.

Virtual land trade and associated risks to food security in China

International trade can help alleviate the scarcity of arable land by importing agricultural and food products. In the context of climate change and socioeconomic development, the patterns in economic and resource flow embodied in the global food trade may be subject to further changes that present risks for economies with scarce land resources, such as China. These conditions exacerbate ongoing food security challenges, yet have so far not been well understood. Here, we combined the environmentally extended multiregional input-output (EE-MRIO) model, Geopolitical Supply Risk (GeoPolRisk) method, and scenario analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of global, virtual land trade patterns caused by China's food consumption and associated virtual land supply risk faced by China. Our results show that, from 1995 to 2015, China has experienced increasing GeoPolRisk of virtual land supply related to food consumption, roughly fivefold, mainly due to growth in total virtual land consumption and changes in trade structure. From 1995 to 2015, total food consumption-related virtual land in China has increased by approximately 35.1%, and the share of foreign land has increased from 6.3% to 43.3%, with the largest land sources shifting from low-income regions (such as Asia and Africa) to more industrialized regions (such as the United States and Australia). Meanwhile, socioeconomic development and dietary changes are the main antecedents to total virtual land consumption, potentially affecting GeoPolRisk. Our results suggest the need for urgent adjustments for a balanced distribution of virtual land sources and to promote healthy dietary transitions and improve agricultural productivity in the future. Our study offers significant information that can guide potential solutions to the sustainable use of land resources and reduce the GeoPolRisk of virtual land trade for decision-makers, thereby facilitating food security.

Uncovering structural characteristics of virtual water flow network in India

India plays a pivotal role in global water resource management. Existing studies have not well characterized structural characteristics of virtual water flow network in India (e.g., critical sectors, transactions, and supply chain paths) in the context of global supply chains. This may impede the efficiency of policy measures on the mitigation of India's water shortage. This study identified critical transmission sectors, intersectoral transactions, supply chain paths, and communities of India's virtual water flow network, by combining the global environmentally extended multi-regional input-output model, structural path analysis, betweenness concept, and community detection method. Results show that in addition to domestic water-intensive sectors, the transmission sectors, intersectoral transactions, and supply chain paths associated with domestic service sectors (e.g., the “Hotel and restaurant services” and “Other land transportation services” sectors) and foreign sectors (mainly chemical industries, light industries, and services in large manufacturing entities) also play important roles in transmitting India's water uses. The importance of critical transmission sectors and transactions related to foreign regions (e.g., the rest of Asia-Pacific Region and China) have increased significantly during 1995–2020. Moreover, major communities mostly involve sectors from different regions. These findings can provide hotspots for India's water resource management in terms of improving the productivity and strengthening the interregional and intersectoral cooperation.

Embodied Carbon Transfer in China’s Bilateral Trade with Belt and Road Countries from the Perspective of Global Value Chains

In the context of global value chains (GVCs), the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on China’s bilateral trade with Belt and Road countries (BRCs) is controversial. This study constructed a GVC accounting framework based on a multiregional input–output model, aiming to clarify the trends and transfer characteristics of the value added (VA) and the embodied carbon emissions (ECEs) in China–BRCs bilateral trade from 2000 to 2018 at the overall country, Belt and Road region (BRR), and typical country levels. The relevant results are threefold. (1) At the overall country level, the BRCs VA and ECEs imports and exports have shown overall increasing trends. (2) Most BRRs are net ECE exporters to China. Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia are the main ECEs destinations and sources. (3) In China–typical BRCs bilateral trade, China is a net ECEs exporter to most typical BRCs, and the net ECE transfers through route 1 (onefold value chain) are all positive, implying that route 1 can reduce ECEs in BRCs. These findings can help formulate policies and measures to reduce carbon emissions and provide a scientific basis for realizing the coordinated development of carbon emission reduction and economy in China and BRCs.

The Biodiversity Impact of Health Care: Quantifying the Extinction-Risk Footprint of Health Care in The Netherlands and Other European Countries

The health care sector exists to support and promote human wellbeing; however, its operations contribute to environmental degradation undermining nature’s capacity to support the same wellbeing. Biodiversity loss, in particular, creates threats to wellbeing through a reduction in ecosystem service provisioning and increases in disease. This study aims to estimate the extinction-risk footprint associated with the health care sector, focusing on Europe. We created an environmentally-extended multi-region input–output model using data on the extinction risk of species available from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Using input–output analysis, we then quantified the extinction-risk footprint of the Dutch health care sector and, for comparison, that of the 30 European nations which use similar sector classifications in their National Accounts reporting. We found that the Netherlands has the highest health care extinction-risk footprint on a per-capita basis and that health care contributes 4.4% of the Dutch consumption extinction-risk footprint compared with an average of 2.6% across the comparator set. Food and beverage supply chains make a disproportionate contribution to health care’s extinction-risk footprint, while supply chains implicated in the sector’s carbon footprint make a limited contribution. These results suggest that reducing the environmental impact of the health care sector may require a differentiated approach when multiple environmental indicators are considered.