Carbon Footprint Analysis Model of Computer-aided Translation Products in China: A Perspective From Life Cycle Assessment

Previous studies have primarily focused on the carbon footprint of physical products, resulting in the oversight of the carbon footprint of digital translation products, particularly the computer-aided translation (CAT) products. However, reducing the carbon emissions of these products is pivotal to controlling the emissions of greenhouse gases. Based on life cycle assessment theory, this study aims to construct a carbon footprint model of CAT products. The modeling findings reveal that the stage of data processing of CAT products presents the lowest sensitivity, while the usage stage of CAT products showcases the highest sensitivity. Overall, the current model demonstrates comparatively high stability. More significantly, CAT products are characterized by reproducibility, non-loss and similarity of raw materials with other digital translation products. Therefore, compared with other extant models, the model in this study demonstrates broader applicability, along with greener translation ideas and more flexible strategies to stakeholders in translation processes. Hopefully, this study can cast light on the calculation of carbon footprint of digital translation products, facilitating the reduction of carbon emissions in China and abroad.