National shared responsibility mechanism for carbon reduction: Addressing resource imbalances from interprovincial flows of virtual water-energy-carbon

Abstract

Commodity trade influences the spatial distribution and interrelationships of virtual water‒energy‒carbon (WEC) systems, thereby affecting regional resource balance and equity in carbon emissions reductions. A triangular framework was established to evaluate the spatial flow and disparities of virtual WEC across 30 provinces in China. Significant differences were identified between the production and consumption sectors, highlighting a strong connection between energy and carbon, as well as a trade-off with water. Approximately 63% of the provinces demonstrated a moderate degree of coordination within the virtual WEC system, which was found to negatively correlate with their levels of social and economic development. The transfer of virtual WEC was observed from the less developed western and northern regions to the economically advanced southeastern coastal areas, exacerbating disparities in resource distribution and carbon emissions. Therefore, a joint shared responsibility mechanism for carbon reduction is proposed, utilizing the water fairness coefficient to assess inequities in responsibility arising from the spatial flow of virtual WEC. Nationally, it is recommended to intensify efforts in coordinating WEC management and implement a carbon compensation strategy for regions with disproportionate burdens. Provincially, optimizing and adjusting industrial structures is crucial to match regional balance characteristics and coupling coordination patterns.