Global Sustainable Development Research Articles

Evaporation-driven interfacial restructuring induces highly efficient methanogenesis of waste biomass

Methanogenesis of waste biomass (WB) is a promising method for global sustainable development, reduction of pollution and carbon emission levels, and recovering bioenergy. Unlike in the methanogenesis of organic wastewater, in which microbial cells come into direct contact with the dissolved substrate, the ‘solid–liquid–solid’ modes in WB and between WB and microbial cells, which involve numerous solid–liquid interfaces, greatly hinder the methanogenesis efficiency of WB. Amongst all WB, waste activated sludge is the most complex, poorly biodegradable and representative. Herein, we highlight the role of water evaporation-driven solid-liquid interfacial restructuring of sludge in determining its methanogenesis efficiency. Non-free water evaporation increased surface roughness and adhesion, and compressed pore structure with numerous capillaries in sludge, resulting in a new solid-liquid interface of sludge with great capillary force and highly ordered interfacial water molecules, which provides an extremely favourable condition for high mass transfer and proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) in sludge. This restructuring was confirmed to induce the enhancement of solid–liquid interfacial noncovalent interactions and electron transfer efficiency in the subsequent methanogenesis process (P < 0.05), promoting the effective contact between the sludge substrate and microbial cells, thereby enriching the methanogenic consortia (i.e., Clostridia and Methanosarcina were increased by 290.0 % and 239.7 %, respectively) and improving the activities of key enzymes. Stable isotope tracing and metagenomic analysis further reveal that this restructuring promoted the participation of water molecules in the methane formation by PCET-driven release of protons from water, and enhanced main methanogenesis metabolic pathways, especially the metabolic pathway of CO2-reduction methanogenesis (+65.2 %), thereby resulting in a great advance in methane generation (+147 %, P < 0.001). The findings can provide a reference for regulating directional anaerobic biotransformation of water-rich multiphase complex substrates by interfacial restructuring inducement.

Advancing sustainable development through planetary health – A holistic approach to global health: A systematic review

In global health, three holistic and multidisciplinary approaches are typically mentioned: One Health, Ecohealth, and Planetary Health. The most recent concept, Planetary Health, has been spontaneously developed and promoted as a new science since 2015, with the establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This coincidence marks a new era of interconnection between Global Health and Sustainable Development. However, this connection has rarely been examined, and a full-scale study covering the essential elements of Planetary Health is lacking. In this study, we aim to (a) provide an insightful understanding of the current research on Planetary Health, (b) address the interconnectedness between Planetary Health and SDGs and sustainability,s and (c) explore the determinants of Planetary Health in Sustainable Development context. The findings from diverse articles have revealed an increase in research interest among scholars in Planetary Health and Sustainable Development. However, regarding new contributions, most research deals with the topic in general terms rather than developing an analytical framework of concepts. Among the three pillars of sustainability, linkages have been strongly established between the economic and social impacts on Planetary Health while the environmental dimension has been slightly neglected. In terms of detailed SDG linkage, connections with SDG3 and SDG9 were found in all articles, whereas the linkages with SDG7 and SDG14 were absent. The determinants of Planetary Health in the context of sustainable development have also been explored in which climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the biggest contributors to the promotion of planetary health.

How Does Developing Green Agriculture Affect Poverty? Evidence from China’s Prefecture-Level Cities

Eradicating poverty and improving human well-being are pivotal objectives for achieving global sustainable development. Sustainable agriculture, as a key domain, plays a crucial role in addressing poverty. However, to date, there remains insufficient research on the specific impact of agricultural green development on poverty. To bridge this gap, we utilize panel data from 273 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2022 to explore how agricultural green development affects poverty based on constructing a regional multidimensional poverty index and an index of green agriculture. Our study reveals that agricultural green development effectively reduces poverty, particularly in regions of deep poverty and the eastern part of China. Further mediating analysis indicates the alleviation of poverty by agricultural green development through the infrastructure, the industrial structure, and the green technology innovation effect. Our findings offer valuable insights for informing policies on agricultural green development and poverty reduction, as well as for improving government resource allocation and strengthening resilience in impoverished areas. By deepening our understanding of the link between green agriculture and poverty, this research significantly contributes to global agricultural sustainability and expedites poverty eradication worldwide.

A systematic overview of current advancements for chemical, material, and energy production using sewage sludge for industrial ecology and sustainability transition

AbstractUrbanization and population expansion have increased the demand for scarce resources such as land, water, food, and energy. Furthermore, it has heightened environmental concerns, such as pollution and waste management. The difficulties above present significant challenges to the broader goal of attaining global sustainable development. As a result, there is considerable concern about sustainable waste recycling and management solutions. Among these efforts, expanding wastewater treatment facilities has emerged as a critical tool for environmental protection. As a result of the growth of wastewater treatment facilities, there has been a significant increase in sewage sludge (SS) production. Consequently, an urgent need exists to investigate alternative treatment and value-added methods for sewage sludge. This review looks at the current state of sewage applications for energy and resource recovery to foster sustainable development and industrial ecology through sewage sludge feedstocks. Furthermore, it aims to promote additional research into improving existing sewage sludge management systems, ensuring their cost-effectiveness, public acceptance, and environmental sustainability.

Examining the Sustainability Report, Financial Performance, and Value of Mining Companies in Indonesia

This study employs a quantitative approach to explore the intricate interplay among Sustainability Reports, Financial Performance (measured by Return on Assets - ROA), and Firm Value (quantified by Tobin's Q) in Indonesia's dynamic mining industry. Employing purposive sampling, data from 75 samples encompassing 25 mining businesses listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) is examined over the 2020-2022 period. Utilizing statistical analysis, the study employs the Partial Least Squares (PLS) data processing application for partial regression analysis. The findings highlight a substantial and favorable impact of Sustainability Reports on Firm Value, underscoring the growing acknowledgment within Indonesian mining firms of the pivotal role played by both financial and non-financial disclosures. Intriguingly, the study uncovers that Financial Performance, as gauged by ROA, lacks a discernible influence on Firm Value. This nuanced insight suggests a shifting landscape where stakeholders increasingly prioritize comprehensive reporting beyond conventional financial metrics. The research sheds light on the evolving nature of the Indonesian mining sector, emphasizing companies' recognition of the significance of transparent reporting practices. These revelations align with global sustainable development goals, emphasizing the central role played by mining companies in advancing these objectives. In navigating this complex dynamic, the study underscores the crucial role of Sustainability Reports in shaping perceptions and values of mining firms in Indonesia.

Environmental and Psychosocial Barriers to Active Commuting to University in a Spanish University Community

(1) Background: Climate change and a sedentary lifestyle have been associated with negative effects on global health and sustainable development. Active commuting (AC) represents an important solution for mitigating global warming and improving health. Thus, policies that encourage this behavior could have an impact on health and sustainability. Therefore, the aims of this study were (a) to describe the mode of commuting in university staff and students; (b) to analyze the influences of this behavior; and (c) to compare perceived barriers by mode of commuting. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study with a descriptive design was conducted. In total, 384 university community members (79.4% students and 20.6% staff) were recruited via non-probability sampling and completed an online questionnaire. Mode of commuting, sociodemographic data, and perceived barriers were analyzed. (3) Results: Most of the sample commuted passively to university. This behavior was significantly higher in those who those lived in rural residences and a distance more than 15 km from the university, owned one vehicle, perceived higher psychosocial and environmental barriers, and were women. (4) Conclusions: Universities play a key role in health promotion and sustainable development. Therefore, they should design specific measures according to their characteristics, and barriers.

Characteristics of the spatio-temporal evolution of the improved integrated ecological effect index (IEEI) in mountainous province based on remote sensing: a case study in Yunnan province of southwest China

Land use/cover change (LUCC) and the evaluation of its ecological effects are the important and key areas of research on global environmental change and sustainable development. In response to the problems and limitations of various methods of evaluating the ecological effects of LUCC, this article takes Yunnan Province, a mountainous province with a relatively fragile “innate” ecological environment, as the research area. Based on LUCC data from the interpretation of seven phases of remote sensing (RS) images taken in Yunnan, combined with the investigation of soil erosion data by using remote sensing technology, an improved integrated ecological effect index (IEEI) for the LUCC and a method for its evaluation are proposed; this index was applied to calculate the integrated ecological effect index for the LUCC and analyze its spatiotemporal evolution in 129 counties in Yunnan from 1990 to 2020. The spatiotemporal changes, characteristics, and laws of the integrated ecological effects of LUCC in the whole province and counties from 1990 to 2020 were revealed, with the goal of offering a fundamental framework for long-term strategic planning and management in mountainous provinces. Overall, in the past 30 years, the integrated ecological effect of Yunnan Province and various counties has significantly improved. However, the IEEI of the province is not yet very high, and its regional differences are significant. It is urgent to increase the efforts of ecological civilization construction (ECC) throughout the province, adopt practical and effective ecologically-friendly land use ways and ecological environment protection and construction measures according to local conditions, and steadily improve the integrated ecological effect of various regions.

Promoting green transportation through changing behaviors with low-carbon-travel function of digital maps

Climate change is a challenge for global sustainable development. The transportation sector contributes considerably to global greenhouse gas emissions. In China, it accounts for about 10% of total CO2 emissions with high mitigation potential. Public transit systems can save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Carbon-inclusive action based on digital technology is becoming the primary measure for promoting green transit in China. To understand the level and nature of the public’s awareness of green transit and identify potential pathways to change their behaviors toward green transit, this study collected 7369 questionnaires nationwide and examined the public’s behavior and preferences regarding green transportation and their attitudes toward digital technologies that support green transportation, in the first such study in the Chinese context. The study found that (1) most respondents understand and accept the concept of green transportation, especially younger respondents, under the age of 39; (2) convenience, safety, and weather are the most important factors considered; (3) digital tools provide innovative and interesting options for public participation in green mobility. The government, social organizations, enterprises, and various stakeholders must strive to foster consensus and collaborative participation. This involves partnering with digital technology enterprises and establishing emission reduction standards for low-carbon living, particularly in the realm of green transportation.

Supporting investment on long-term funding to maximize the effect of efficient use of natural resources

Global sustainable development is increasingly contingent on underpinning investment to multiply the number of practical uses of natural resources to enhance the impact on funding stability over the long term. This study investigates this imperative for the 1993–2018 time period through the CS-ARDL model in the case of China. The study reveals a statistically significant correlation between enhanced resource efficiency and a positive trajectory in long-term funding, underscoring the importance of strategic investments to maximize the beneficial effects on financial sustainability. Furthermore, the econometric findings demonstrate that variations in investment patterns significantly contribute to fluctuations in the efficiency of natural resource utilization, thereby influencing the long-term funding outcomes observed. This study's findings suggest that policy initiatives should prioritize strategic investments in natural resource efficiency, serving as a pivotal approach to bolster long-term funding sustainability and facilitate resilient economic development in China.

How Does the Low-Carbon City Pilot Policy Affect Enterprises’ Green Innovation? Empirical Evidence from the Context of China’s Digital Economy Development

The integrated development of green innovation and digital economy is crucial for addressing global climate change, promoting the application and popularization of digital technologies in the green sector, and achieving efficient, intelligent, and sustainable economic development and lifestyles. Using panel data from China’s listed enterprises from 2003 to 2021, this study examines the impacts of environmental regulations on green innovation in the low-carbon city pilot policy (LCCPP) context, which serves as a quasi-natural experiment in the digital economy. The results show that LCCPP effectively enhances enterprises’ green innovation by increasing enterprises’ environmental and research and development investments, and boosting digital transformation. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the promotion effect of LCCPP on green innovation is highly pronounced for enterprises in the eastern region, for those with low financial constraints, and for technology-intensive enterprises. This effect is closely and positively correlated with the digital economy level in the regions where the enterprises are located. This study provides new empirical evidence for the relationship between environmental regulations and enterprises’ green innovation and discusses policy support for addressing global climate change challenges through environmental regulations in the digital economy context, thereby promoting global sustainable development.

Discriminating the non-coordination between ecosystem service value and economic development and its spatial characteristics in central Yunnan urban agglomeration in the recent 30 years

Environmental issues have become one of the important topics affecting China and the world. As the world’s most populous country and the second-largest economy, China’s environmental conditions have significant impacts on global ecosystems and sustainable development. To accurately determine the relationship between economic development and the environment, explore the non-coordination and spatial characteristics between the two, and promote regional sustainable development. This study is based on land-use data from four periods: 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. It uses the dynamic measurement and value equivalent method to explore the characteristics of land-use changes and measure the value of ecosystem services in the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration. At the same time, the study uses the non-coordination degree model and hotspot analysis tools to identify the non-coordination between Ecosystem Service Value and economic development (Gross Domestic Product), and explore the spatial characteristics between them. The research results show that: (1) The main land-use types include cultivated land, forest land, and grassland, which account for more than 90% of the total proportion. The land types with a small proportion in the region are water areas, construction land, and unused land. (2) The development level of ecosystem service value presents four types of changes: fluctuating increase, fluctuating decrease, continuous increase, and continuous decrease. The regional spatial distribution shows obvious regional heterogeneity, overall presenting a spatial distribution pattern of “low in the middle, high around.” (3) The average index of non-coordination degree from 1990 to 2020 is 0.591, 0.635, 0.584, and 0.565, showing a coordinated non-coordination coupling type. The regional space presents a spatial pattern of “high in the central and western regions, low in the northeastern and southern regions.” (4) The hotspots of non-coordination are mainly concentrated in the central and northwest regions of the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration, while the coldspots of non-coordination are mainly distributed in the northeastern, western, and southern regions of the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration, showing a regular agglomeration distribution. This study suggests that it is necessary to balance and coordinate the relationship between regional economic development and the environment.

Realizing synergy between pollution reduction and carbon mitigation in industrial parks: From model development to tool application

Promoting the synergy between carbon mitigation and pollution reduction (SCMPR) is pivotal for global green and sustainable development. Industrial parks, as crucial economic hubs, require effective SCMPR strategies considering land, economy, and the environment, but present research seldom proposes methods that consider multiple factors and stakeholders together and fit for practical application. Given this, this study establishes a multi-factor industrial structural adjustment model for industrial parks incorporating scenario analysis to unveil optimal adjustment schemes and then develops an efficient spreadsheet tool based on the model. The model results convincingly fulfill SCMPR requirement after applying to a typical industrial park: After adjustments, 50 main industries in the park can achieve SCMPR targets, with carbon intensity and total phosphorous intensity predicted to achieve relative decoupling and other regular pollutant emissions anticipated to absolute decoupling by 2030. The proposed optimal scheme indicates that wastewater, waste gas, and solid waste volumes in the park will rise by 39%–54% by 2025 and 76%–113% from 2025 to 2030, and then translate into a 50% increase in waste treatment costs by 2025 and a subsequent 98% increase by 2030. The carbon intensity of the park will decrease from 154 tonnes of CO2 per million Chinese Yuan in 2020 to 94 in 2030. The results culminate in three strategic recommendations for industrial parks: (1) prioritize reducing total pollutant emissions and carbon intensity, (2) customize carbon mitigation and pollution reduction strategies for each industry, and (3) regulate material and energy flows at multiple levels. This study can provide a pragmatic tool for industrial parks to make science-based decision-making toward dual carbon goals.

The Sino-US trade friction would exacerbate global inequalities in achieving SDGs

Trade has given rise to global inequalities in sustainable development, while the occurrence of trade frictions between China and the US has led to changes in the global trade market landscape. Whether these changes will exacerbate disparities in sustainable development between regions remains uncertain. Quantifying the impact of changes in the trade market landscape is of significant importance in accelerating global progress towards sustainable development. Therefore, this article, based on the GTAP 10.0 database and using the GTAP model, calculates the extent to which changes in tax policies affect the global achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) by assessing the impact of alterations in trade patterns. The research findings are as follows: (1) The decoupling of China and the US has intensified these inequalities. Economically advanced regions have made significant progress in sustainable development compared to relatively underdeveloped regions, such as the US and Sub-Saharan Africa. (2) Regions closer to China and the US are more affected by changes in trade taxes, with economically advanced regions in close proximity to China and the US benefiting more than those farther away. (3) Environmental aspects of SDGs have shown the lowest growth rates, with marginal variations across different regions. (4) Global inequalities in achieving SDGs primarily stem from inter-regional disparities. Over time, inter-regional inequalities decrease while intra-regional inequalities increase, with underdeveloped regions experiencing higher levels of intra-regional inequality compared to developed regions. The growth in tax rates between China and the US contributes to a comprehensive increase in both inter-regional and intra-regional inequalities. Based on these conclusions, this study aims to provide a scientific basis for promoting global sustainable development and reducing regional disparities in the process.

Global Sustainable Development and Psychological Perspectives

Global Sustainable Development and Psychological Perspectives

Comparative Performance Analysis of Deep Learning, Classical, and Hybrid Time Series Models in Ecological Footprint Forecasting

In a globalized world, factors such as increasing population, rising production rates, changing consumption habits, and continuous economic growth contribute significantly to climate change. Therefore, successfully forecasting the Ecological Footprint (EF) effectively indicates global sustainable development. Despite the significant role of the EF as one of the indicators of sustainable development, there is a gap in the literature regarding time series methods and forward-looking predictions. To address this gap, Ecological Footprint (EF) forecasting was performed using deep learning methods such as LSTMs, classical time series methods like ARIMA and Holt–Winters, and the developed hybrid ARIMA-SVR model. In the scope of the study, first, a spreadsheet was created using the total Ecological Footprint (EF) worldwide between 1961 and 2022, obtained from the Global Footprint Network database. Second, the forecasting performances of the ARIMA, Holt–Winters, LSTM, and the hybrid ARIMA-SVR models were compared using MAPE and RMSE metrics. Finally, the forecasting performances of the time series models were statistically validated through Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Friedman tests. The study findings indicate that the proposed ARIMA (1,1,0) model demonstrated better performance with an average MAPE of 2.12%, compared to Holt–Winters (MAPE of 2.27%), LSTM (MAPE of 3.19%), and ARIMA-SVR (MAPE of 2.68%) methods in the test dataset. Additionally, it was observed that the ARIMA model forecasted the EF, which experienced a sudden decrease due to the COVID-19 lockdown, with a lower error compared to other models. These findings highlight the adaptability of the ARIMA model to variable and uncertain conditions.

Managing artificial intelligence in international business: Toward a research agenda on sustainable production and consumption

AbstractThe collaboration between artificial intelligence (AI) and humans is reshaping international business (IB) management dynamics, aiming to achieve global sustainable development. Recent IB literature indicates that managing AI brings benefits such as better resource reconfiguration, reduced transaction costs, and global sustainable development. However, existing IB literature provides only meager knowledge about the characteristics of AI and how these characteristics can be employed for international expansion at the intersection of sustainable development. In response, our aim is to construct these characteristics by employing directed qualitative content analysis of empirical AI research. Based on our three constructed characteristics of AI, we contribute to current IB literature by providing a framework to balance economic and social goals and utilizing AI for global sustainable development. Further, we provide future IB research themes to guide IB and AI research toward achieving a sustainable production and consumption agenda.

Factors Driving Solid Waste Management Payments in African Markets: Understanding Determinants and Overcoming Challenges

Waste management has become an issue of interest across global today due to its impact on the public health and efforts to achieve the global sustainable development goals. Despite the influence and necessity of the waste management practices yet there is little understanding in the factors influencing households’ willingness to comply and hence pay for such services mostly in developing countries including Tanzania. Therefore, the current study explores determinants of solid waste management in Arusha region by studying behaviors of the vendors in three markets places of Kilomebro, Tengeru, and Samunge using cross-sectional research design of which as sample of 150 vendors were included in the study. The results of the study reveal that socioeconomic factors such as age (p&lt;0.01), working experience (p&lt;0.01), and income (p&lt;0.01) are significant determinants enhancing vendors’ decision to pay for the waste management. On the other hand, amount of waste generated by vendors, and their awareness on the waste management practices also influence vendors willingness and decision to pay for the waste management across all three markets in Arusha region at 0.013 (p&lt;0.01) and 1.894 (p&lt;0.01) . Additionally, quality of waste management services offered are also important component affecting vendors decision to be willing to pay for the waste management practices. The study recommends that in order to cultivate the waste management practices across communities it is important to prioritize in establishing educational programs that aimed at enhancing vendors' awareness and understanding of the importance of solid waste management, as well as developing income diversification strategies which will help to explore and address the significant role income plays in determining vendors' willingness to pay for solid waste management.

The Impact of Technology Adoption on Efficiency and Transparency in Public Procurement Processes in Kenya

In recent years, global public procurement has witnessed a paradigm shift with the integration of technology, a phenomenon embraced by countries like Kenya. The Kenyan government has actively modernized its procurement system through the adoption of e-procurement systems, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, aiming to bolster efficiency and transparency. The purpose of this research work was to assess the impact of technology adoption on efficiency and transparency in public procurement processes in Kenya. This research addressed a critical gap in understanding the nuanced impacts of these technological advancements on the intricate dynamics of public procurement in Kenya. Investigating the adoption's influence on efficiency and transparency, the study explored experiences, challenges, successes, and overall implications. The findings are of significance to public governance, offering insights to policymakers, practitioners, and technology developers. Aligned with global sustainable development initiatives, the study advocated for digital literacy training, cybersecurity measures, infrastructure improvement, policy incentives, a national digital procurement strategy, private sector collaboration, policy reviews, and data-sharing initiatives. By embracing the recommendations, Kenya can navigate challenges and capitalize on technology for an efficient, transparent, and resilient future in public procurement, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

ГЕОСТРАТЕГІЧНЕ ВІКНО МОЖЛИВОСТЕЙ ІННОВАЦІЙНО-ІНВЕСТИЦІЙНОЇ МОДЕРНІЗАЦІЇ УКРАЇНИ: ІНСТИТУЦІОНАЛЬНЕ РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ ТА ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНІ МЕХАНІЗМИ РОЗВИТКУ ЗОВНІШНЬОЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ АГРАРНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

It is determined, that Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has attracted great attention around the world and caused concern. Radical geopolitical uncertainty is changing the rules of the global economy. Countries must accept new realities and adapt to them, prioritizing flexibility and resilience. Ukraine needs to take advantage of the geostrategic window of opportunity for innovation and investment modernization of all sectors of the economy, especially the agricultural sector, as one of the main export-oriented sectors designed to ensure food security and healthy nutrition not only for the domestic market but also for the growing global population; to become an important regional actor and eventually integrate into the European Union, to avoid becoming an outsider in the global economy. The research is devoted to the study and analysis of the problems of innovation and investment modernization of the agricultural sector in accordance with the requirements of sustainable development and global geopolitical uncertainty in order to take advantage of the geostrategic window of opportunity in the post-war period. The purpose of the study is a comprehensive assessment of innovation and investment transformations taking place in the agricultural sector in countries in the context of the challenges of global sustainable development in order to determine the priorities of institutional regulation and organizational and economic mechanisms for the development of foreign economic activity of agricultural enterprises in Ukraine in order to take advantage of the geostrategic window of opportunity in the post-war period. The objective of the scientific research is to identify the most successful group of countries in terms of implementation of intensification of production activities, efficiency of implementation of innovation policy and ability to meet the needs for food, taking into account the requirements of sustainable development, substantiation of recommendations for innovation and investment modernization of agricultural production activities of domestic producers, determination of priorities for institutional regulation and organizational and economic mechanisms for the development of foreign economic activity. The following methods of scientific research were used in the article: the method of system analysis, forecasting, generalization, modeling, namely, clustering by the K-Means algorithm. The leading countries with highly innovative agro-industrial sectors are grouped and their experience in formulating state policies aimed at supporting innovative transformations of the agro-industrial complex is summarized. The priority directions of institutional regulation and organizational and economic foundations for the development of foreign economic activity of agricultural enterprises of Ukraine are substantiated. Keywords: clustering, geostrategic window of opportunity, international trade, foreign trade, foreign economic activity (FEA), exports, imports, organizational and economic foundations and mechanisms, institutional regulation, innovation and investment modernization and transformation, institutional design of development, state support, state policy, business environment, sustainable development, agricultural production, agricultural sector, agriculture, agricultural enterprises, agricultural products, agricultural products, world / international economy.

Four-quadrant modelling of carbon inequality in international trade and accounting for carbon compensation

In global trade, there is a phenomenon that the “economic gains” and “ecological damages” of some countries and regions are not consistent. Using the multi-regional input-output model (MRIO), this study measures the transfer of embodied carbon and value-added in trade among 16 countries or regions, including the European Union, the United States and other countries from 1995 to 2022. On this basis, we use the four-quadrant analysis method to classify the carbon inequality in international trade, and construct the carbon inequality index to quantify the carbon inequality situation in bilateral trade. The results indicate that carbon inequality between international trade can be divided into three categories: victims of absolute carbon inequality, relative carbon equality and beneficiaries of absolute carbon inequality. Carbon inequality in bilateral trade exists between developed and developing countries, as well as between developing countries. Finally, a carbon compensation accounting model is constructed to measure the monetary value of cross-regional carbon offset, which provides data support for international carbon emission reduction cooperation. Our study contributes to contemplating the impacts of international trade and provide recommendations for global equity and sustainable development.