Global trade networks bring targeted opportunity for energy-related CH₄ emission mitigation

Recent literature highlights the contributions the global energy sector has made to anthropogenic CH₄ emissions, calling for immediate action. However, extant studies have failed to reveal the energy-related CH₄ emissions induced by global trades of intermediate and final commodities or services. This paper traces fugitive CH₄ emissions via global trade networks using the multi-regional input-output and complex network models. Results show that approximately four-fifths of global fugitive CH₄ emissions in 2014 were associated with international trade, of which 83.07% and 16.93% were embodied in the intermediate and final trades, respectively. Japan, India, the USA, South Korea, and Germany were the world's five largest net importers of embodied fugitive CH₄ emissions, while Indonesia, Russia, Nigeria, Qatar, and Iran were the five largest net exporters. Gas-related embodied emission transfers were the largest in both the intermediate and the final trade networks. The fugitive CH₄ emissions embodied within the intermediate and final trade networks were all characterized by five trading communities. The virtual fugitive CH₄ emission transfers via intermediate trade were largely determined by global energy trade patterns, especially the trade in regionally integrated crude oil and natural gas. Significant heterogeneity was revealed by the coexistence of numerous loosely linked economies and several hub economies (e.g., China, Germany, the USA, and South Africa). Interventions on the demand side of interregional and intraregional trade partners in different communities and hub economies will bring targeted opportunities for global energy-related CH₄ emission reduction.