On the Interpretation and Measurement of Technology-Adjusted Emissions Embodied in Trade

Journal Article (2022)
Author(s)

Aldy Darwili (TU Delft - Economics of Technology and Innovation)

Enno Schröder (TU Delft - Economics of Technology and Innovation)

DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10640-022-00725-7 Final published version
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Publication Year
2022
Language
English
Issue number
1
Volume number
84
Pages (from-to)
65-98
Downloads counter
233
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Abstract

We propose a new method for standardizing the production technology at the world average level and derive interpretations for the resulting carbon emission concepts. The technology-adjusted emission balance measures net weak carbon leakage defined as the difference between the foreign emissions avoided by exports and the foreign emissions generated by imports. We use global multi-regional input–output tables to document the variable’s spatio-temporal variation for 49 economies between 1995 and 2015. There is a positive cross-country correlation between net leakage and per-capita income. Changes in net leakage are generally small and do not account for country-specific emission trends, that is, domestic emission decreases were not offset by foreign emission increases.