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Research on China’s Carbon Footprint Accounting Based on a High-Precision CO 2 Emission Inventory

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  • Jiaying Li

    (Monitoring and Assessment Center for Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Neutrality of CMA, State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather Meteorological Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
    College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Xiaoye Zhang

    (Monitoring and Assessment Center for Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Neutrality of CMA, State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather Meteorological Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Lifeng Guo

    (Monitoring and Assessment Center for Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Neutrality of CMA, State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather Meteorological Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Junting Zhong

    (Monitoring and Assessment Center for Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Neutrality of CMA, State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather Meteorological Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Liangke Liu

    (Chinese Meteorological Administration Earth System Modeling and Prediction Centre, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Chongyuan Wu

    (Monitoring and Assessment Center for Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Neutrality of CMA, State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather Meteorological Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Da Zhang

    (Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Fei Yu

    (Guizhou Institute of Mountains Meteorological Science, Guiyang 550002, China)

  • Bo Peng

    (Guizhou Institute of Mountains Meteorological Science, Guiyang 550002, China)

Abstract

Calculating carbon footprints can aid in clarifying the emission reduction responsibilities in various regions. Using an input–output model and the high-precision top-down carbon emission inventory provided by the China Carbon Monitoring, Verification, and Support System for Regional (CCMVS-R), carbon footprint size and transfer direction in China were estimated. From a production responsibility perspective, Shandong, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia presented the greatest carbon footprints, while the production and distribution of electric power and heat power constituted the sector with the highest carbon footprint. From a consumption responsibility perspective, Guangdong, Shandong, and Jiangsu displayed the highest carbon footprints, whereas the construction sector presented the greatest carbon footprint. From the perspective of shared responsibility, Shandong, Guangdong, and Jiangsu experienced the greatest pressure to reduce emissions, and carbon footprint reductions in the production and distribution of electric power and heat power sector are critical for mitigating climate warming. Carbon footprints were generally transferred from economically developed regions with limited natural resources to industrially developed regions with abundant natural resources, and from developed provinces to neighboring provinces. On the basis of these results, it would be helpful for the government to formulate reasonable emission reduction measures to achieve sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiaying Li & Xiaoye Zhang & Lifeng Guo & Junting Zhong & Liangke Liu & Chongyuan Wu & Da Zhang & Fei Yu & Bo Peng, 2025. "Research on China’s Carbon Footprint Accounting Based on a High-Precision CO 2 Emission Inventory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:6:p:2647-:d:1614045
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    References listed on IDEAS

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