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Published on: September 7, 2015
Consumption-based accounting of CO2 emissions
1Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. sjdavis@carnegie.stanford.edu
Summary
Global warming is driven by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. A study reveals 23% of global CO2 emissions were traded internationally in 2004, highlighting consumption-based accounting for climate policy.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Climate Change Research
- Global Emissions Accounting
Background:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels are the main driver of global warming.
- Traditional emissions accounting focuses on national production, overlooking consumption-based emissions from trade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a global consumption-based CO2 emissions inventory for 2004.
- To analyze associated consumption-based energy and carbon intensities.
- To highlight the role of international trade in CO2 emissions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the latest available data for global CO2 emissions.
- Calculated consumption-based energy and carbon intensities.
- Analyzed emissions associated with imports and exports of goods and services.
Main Results:
- In 2004, 23% of global CO2 emissions (6.2 gigatonnes) were traded internationally.
- Developed countries, like the UK and France, imported over 30% of their consumption-based emissions.
- China exported a net 22.5% of its emissions in 2004.
Conclusions:
- Consumption-based accounting reveals significant international carbon leakage.
- Shared responsibility for emissions between producers and consumers can aid climate policy.
- Addressing consumption-based emissions is crucial for effective global climate agreements.
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