Quantitative Global Carbon Inequality Network

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new metric to quantify and analyze global carbon inequality within international trade networks, revealing increasing disparities and regional inequities from 1995 to 2022.

Contribution

It presents the Ecological Economic Equality Index and applies complex network analysis to evaluate evolving trade-related carbon inequalities globally.

Findings

Widening disparity in carbon inequality over time

Identification of regional trade inequities

Dynamic patterns of carbon transfer in global networks

Abstract

International trading networks significantly influence global economic conditions and environmental outcomes. A notable imbalance between economic gains and emissions transfers persists, manifesting as carbon inequality. This study introduces a novel metric, the Ecological Economic Equality Index, integrated with complex network dynamics analysis, to quantitatively evaluate the evolving roles within the global trading network and to pinpoint inequities in trade relationships from 1995 to 2022. Utilising high spatiotemporal resolution data from the Environmentally Extended Multi-regional Input-output model, our findings reveal a widening disparity in carbon inequality and dynamic patterns. This analysis emphasises the gap in regional carbon inequality and identifies unequal trade. The study underscores that carbon inequality is a critical challenge affecting both developing and developed regions, demanding widespread attention and action.