Multi-regional input–output analysis for China’s regional CH₄ emissions

Abstract

China is the largest CH₄ emitter in the world. Given the importance of CH₄ in greenhouse gas emission inventories, the characteristics of China’s CH₄ emissions at different scales deserve to be fully understood. Presented in this paper is an interprovincial input–output embodiment analysis of China’s regional CH₄ emissions in 2007, based on the most recently available multi-regional input–output table, and relevant CH₄ emissions data. The results show that the eastern, central and western areas contribute to 48.2%, 28.6%, and 23.3% of the national total embodied emissions, respectively. Guangdong has the highest level of embodied CH₄ emissions among all of the 30 regions. The Agriculture sector produces the most embodied CH₄ emissions in final demand, followed by the Construction, Food Production and Tobacco Processing, and Other Service Activities sectors. Significant net transfers of embodied CH₄ emission flows are identified from the central and western areas to the eastern area via interregional trade. Shanxi is the largest interregional exporter of embodied CH₄ emissions. In contrast, Guangdong is the largest interregional importer. Energy activities, agricultural activities, and waste management comprise 65.6%, 30.7%, and 3.7% of the total embodied CH₄ emissions in interregional trade, respectively. By using consumption-based accounting principles, the emission magnitudes, per capita emissions, and emission intensities of most eastern regions increase remarkably, while those of some central and western regions decrease largely. To achieve regional CH₄ emission mitigation, comprehensive mitigation measures should be designed under consideration of regional transfer of emission responsibility.

Keywords

China’s CH₄ emissions / multi-regional input–output analysis / consumption-based emission accounting

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