Path analysis for carbon transfers embodied in China's international trade and policy implications for mitigation targets. (1st February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Dongxiao; Zhang, Yan; Li, Yaoguang; Wang, Xinjing; Yang, Zhifeng
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 334(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-01
• Subjects: Carbon metabolism -- Carbon transfer -- Input–output analysis -- Peak carbon -- Carbon mitigation targets; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.130207
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: International trade has shifted part of the responsibility for carbon mitigation from consumers to producers, therefore quantifying mitigation targets and allocating responsibilities have become the focus of research. This study quantified carbon transfers between mainland China and its trade partners from a consumption perspective, and identified the transfer paths from initial production to final production and then consumption. We projected China's allowed carbon increment before peak carbon, and recommend policy measures based on different national technological levels. Given China's 1.25 Gt net exports of carbon, the country's share of the allowed carbon increment before peak carbon would increase from 30% to 51% in 2015 before 2030. The net carbon transfer paths from China driven by consumption by its trading partners accounted for 87% of the total number of paths, with paths to the United States and Hong Kong for exports of both primary and final products being the most prominent. On the other hand, the net carbon import transfer paths driven by China's consumption were dominated by imports of primary products from South Korea and Russia. In comparison with the production country, a country that drives net carbon transfers and has a higher technological level should strengthen its industrial and consumption structures and reduce emission through technical assistance to countries with a lower technological level; the latter should improve production efficiency to reduce imported demand and mitigate the emission. Our study provides a methodological framework and theoretical guidance for a more scientific and equitable allocation of carbon mitigation responsibilities. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Global consumption drove 1.25 Gt of net carbon transfer from China in 2015. China's allowed carbon increment share before peak would increase from 30 to 51%. China's net export carbon transfer paths were exporting primary and final products. China's net import carbon transfer paths were importing primary products.