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How does consumer behavior influence regional ecological footprints? An empirical analysis for Chinese regions based on the multi-region input–output model

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  • Zhou, Xin
  • Imura, Hidefumi

Abstract

The calculation of national ecological footprints using world average productivities can lead to biased results due to the neglect of spatial variation in in-situ ecological impacts. To address this issue, we apply a regional approach to generate ecological footprints based on the multi-region input–output model. This method enables us to trace the origin of regional consumption and to systematically account for the ecological impacts embodied in interregional trade. By using decomposition analysis, we attribute regional differences in ecological footprints to three behavioral factors associated with consumption: the selection of production origins, the structure of consumption and the level of expenditure. An empirical study for China's eight regions shows substantial cross-regional variation in terms of the amount of land appropriation and the mix of land types. The empirical study also confirms that not only how much is being consumed and what is being consumed, but also geographical origins (and, by implication, regionally specific production processes and methods) influence consumption-induced ecological impacts. This paper therefore sheds light on the importance of accounting for interregional variation in consumer behaviors and recommends customized solutions to achieve effective reductions in regional ecological footprints.

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  • Zhou, Xin & Imura, Hidefumi, 2011. "How does consumer behavior influence regional ecological footprints? An empirical analysis for Chinese regions based on the multi-region input–output model," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 171-179.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:71:y:2011:i:c:p:171-179
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2011.08.026
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    2. Hawkins, Jacob & Ma, Chunbo & Schilizzi, Steven & Zhang, Fan, 2015. "Promises and pitfalls in environmentally extended input–output analysis for China: A survey of the literature," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 81-88.
    3. Chao Bao & Mutian Xu & Siao Sun, 2019. "China’s Land Uses in the Multi-Region Input–Output Framework," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-17, August.
    4. Zhang, Bo & Qiao, H. & Chen, B., 2015. "Embodied energy uses by China’s four municipalities: A study based on multi-regional input–output model," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 318(C), pages 138-149.
    5. Zhang, B. & Qiao, H. & Chen, Z.M. & Chen, B., 2016. "Growth in embodied energy transfers via China’s domestic trade: Evidence from multi-regional input–output analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 1093-1105.
    6. Han, Mengyao & Chen, Guoqian, 2018. "Global arable land transfers embodied in Mainland China’s foreign trade," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 521-534.
    7. Kunpeng Wang & Wenjun Wu & Awais Jabbar & Zinabu Wolde & Minghao Ou, 2021. "Dynamic Evolution and Spatial Convergence of the Virtual Cultivated Land Flow Intensity in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-17, July.
    8. Hao, Yan & Zhang, Menghui & Zhang, Yan & Fu, Chenling & Lu, Zhongming, 2018. "Multi-scale analysis of the energy metabolic processes in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) urban agglomeration," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 369(C), pages 66-76.
    9. Ryoji Hasegawa & Shigemi Kagawa & Makiko Tsukui, 2015. "Carbon footprint analysis through constructing a multi-region input–output table: a case study of Japan," Journal of Economic Structures, Springer;Pan-Pacific Association of Input-Output Studies (PAPAIOS), vol. 4(1), pages 1-20, December.
    10. Ye-Ning Wang & Qiang Zhou & Hao-Wei Wang, 2020. "Assessing Ecological Carrying Capacity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Based on a Three-Dimensional Ecological Footprint Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-18, November.
    11. Decun Wu & Jinping Liu, 2016. "Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) Study of the Provincial Ecological Footprints and Domestic Embodied Footprints Traded among China’s 30 Provinces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(12), pages 1-31, December.
    12. Zhang, Bo & Chen, Z.M. & Xia, X.H. & Xu, X.Y. & Chen, Y.B., 2013. "The impact of domestic trade on China's regional energy uses: A multi-regional input–output modeling," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 1169-1181.
    13. Kotval-K, Zeenat & Vojnovic, Igor, 2016. "A socio-ecological exploration into urban form: The environmental costs of travel," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 87-98.

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