Research on provincial implied carbon emissions in China under the shared responsibility driven by new quality productivity: A new approach

Abstract

The allocation of responsibility for carbon emissions among involved parties has garnered significant attention. This study proposes a comprehensive sharing coefficient methodology known as CVAT (direct carbon emissions, value added, and technology level) to enhance the accuracy and equity of responsibility sharing driven by the new productivity standard. This study utilizes the environmental expansion multi-region input-output (EEMRIO) model to assess China's implicit provincial carbon emissions over the previous two decades. The study investigates the characteristics of the implied carbon transfer network using social network analysis (SNA) techniques. Key findings include: (1) The CVAT method's determination of responsibility sharing coefficients aligns with fairness and efficiency principles, resulting in a more equitable distribution of implied carbon emission responsibilities conducive to achieving fair carbon emission reduction. (2) Over the research period, national implied carbon emissions exhibited an upward trajectory, increasing from 3.305 billion tons in 2002 to 9.726 billion tons in 2017, with Shandong, Hebei, and Jiangsu provinces ranking among the top emitters in China. (3) Eastern coastal and western regions function as net carbon transfer out regions, while the central, northeast, and southwest regions act as net carbon transfer in regions. (4) The implied carbon transfer network demonstrated relative stability throughout the study period, with Shandong, Hebei, Jiangsu, and Inner Mongolia emerging as major carbon transfer provinces. The study's outcomes hold significant implications for the impartial and accurate assessment of carbon emission responsibilities and the advancement of global carbon emission reduction efforts.