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Published on: October 21, 2016
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Structural Path Analysis of Fossil Fuel Based CO2 Emissions: A Case Study for China
Zhiyong Yang1, Wenjie Dong1, Jinfeng Xiu2
1State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Future Earth Research Institute, Beijing Normal University Zhuhai, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
Plos One
|September 3, 2015
Summary
Structural path analysis (SPA) reveals key environmental impact pathways in production chains. Mitigation policies should target household consumption, government spending, investment, and exports, focusing on energy efficiency and cleaner technologies for sustainable development.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Economics
- Sustainable Development
- Input-Output Analysis
Background:
- Environmentally extended input-output analysis (EEIOA) quantifies environmental impacts and emission transfers.
- Structural path analysis (SPA) identifies significant flows within environmental-economic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct an imports-adjusted single-region input-output (SRIO) model.
- To apply SPA to identify crucial production chain routes for environmental mitigation.
Main Methods:
- Developed an imports-adjusted single-region input-output (SRIO) model.
- Utilized structural path analysis (SPA) to trace environmental impacts through production chains.
Main Results:
- Household consumption mitigation requires changes in rural energy use and reduced demand for power/chemicals, with urban areas being key.
- Government spending impacts necessitate managing energy use in service sectors and promoting cleaner transport.
- Investment policies must address upstream industries (services, construction, manufacturing) due to high demand pull.
- Export mitigation involves enhancing technology and quality in manufactured goods.
- Coal extraction sector requires onsite energy management and energy structure rearrangement.
- Construction and public administration sectors' mitigation needs integration with upstream industries.
Conclusions:
- SPA is a valuable tool for analyzing national environmental impacts and guiding mitigation policies.
- A systematic approach combining secondary/tertiary industries with upstream sectors is crucial for sustainable development.
- Targeted policies for consumption, government spending, investment, and exports are essential for environmental improvement.
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