Mapping the intersection of planetary boundaries and environmentally extended input-output analysis: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Since the development of the planetary boundaries (PBs) framework, efforts have been made to operationalise PBs at sub-global scales, from cities to continents. Many of these efforts employ Environmentally Extended Input-Output Analysis (EEIOA), which integrates environmental and material considerations into supply chain analyses. Despite the growing body of research combining PBs and EEIOA, the research is dispersed across various studies and disciplines, necessitating a systematic synthesis to consolidate findings, identify gaps, and guide future research. To address this need, we conducted a systematic literature review focusing on research that integrates the PB framework with EEIOA. Our aim was to answer several key questions, including: What are the most common methodological choices used in studies combining PBs and EEIOA? How has EEIOA informed policy decisions related to living within PBs? Using Scopus and Web of Science, we conducted a comprehensive search covering publications from January 2009 to April 2024. Our review revealed four main methodological frameworks in the literature: “footprint v/s allocated PB”, “exceedance footprint”, “scenario analysis”, and “optimisation modelling”. Climate change emerged as the most extensively studied PB, followed by land-system change, freshwater use, nitrogen flows, and phosphorus flows. Policy guidance was central in 50 % of the studies, with 61 % following a responsibility narrative, 15 % human well-being, and 9 % examining socio-economic implications. This review provides critical insights into the intersection of PB and IOA, highlighting methodological trends and gaps. By synthesizing findings, it advances the integration of these frameworks, supporting their application in sustainable consumption policies and broader environmental strategies.