Tracing two decades of carbon emissions using a network approach

TL;DR

This paper analyzes two decades of carbon emissions using a network approach, revealing that increased trading activity has led to higher emissions transfer from exporters to importers, despite lower per-exchange emissions.

Contribution

It introduces a network-based method to trace emission flows over time, highlighting the impact of trading activity on overall emissions distribution.

Findings

Increased trading activity has raised emissions transfer from exporters to importers.

Consumption-aware accounting could redistribute responsibility and reduce disparities.

Despite lower emissions per exchange, total emissions have increased due to trading volume.

Abstract

Carbon emissions are currently attributed to producers although a consumption-aware accounting is advocated. After constructing the Carbon Trade Network, we trace the flow of emissions over the past two decades. Our analysis reveals the presence of an unexpected, positive feedback: despite individual exchanges have become less carbon-intensive, the increase in trading activity has ultimately risen the amount of emissions directed from `net exporters' towards `net importers'. Adopting a consumption-aware accounting would re-distribute responsibility between the two groups, possibly reducing disparities.