Forward and backward critical sectors for CO₂ emissions in China based on eigenvector approaches

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Economics
• Industrial Ecology

Background:

• China aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as a Paris Agreement signatory.
• Identifying key sectors for CO2 reduction is challenging due to complex supply chains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical sectors influencing CO2 emissions within China's value chains.
• To provide a user-friendly approach for policymakers to pinpoint emission reduction responsibilities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized sectoral CO2 emissions and input-output tables for China (2007-2015).
• Applied eigenvector-based methods: backward 'power-of-pull' and forward 'power-of-push' analysis.

Main Results:

• Electricity and hot water production/supply identified as the most influential sector in both backward and forward analyses.
• Metal mining (backward) and coal mining (forward) were also significant contributors.
• Nonmetal mining showed an increasing influence on CO2 emissions from 2007 to 2015.

Conclusions:

• Electricity and hot water production/supply is a vital sector for CO2 emission management in China.
• The proposed methods offer a novel perspective and practical tool for informing climate policy and CO2 reduction strategies.