Tracing two decades of carbon emissions using a network approach

Abstract

Carbon emissions are currently attributed to producers although a consumption-aware accounting is advocated. After constructing the Carbon Trade Network, we trace the flow of emissions over the past two decades. Our analysis reveals the presence of an unexpected, positive feedback: despite individual exchanges have become less carbon-intensive, the increase in trading activity has ultimately risen the amount of emissions directed from `net exporters' towards `net importers'. Adopting a consumption-aware accounting would re-distribute responsibility between the two groups, possibly reducing disparities.