Life Cycle Input-Output Analysis Extended to Use, Disposal, and Recycling Stages Applied to Embodied CO2 Emissions of a Refrigerator

Input-output analysis is widely employed to analyze inventories of a product＇s embodied energy and environmental burdens. However, input-output analysis focuses only on the production stage and ignores other life cycle phases. Input-output analysis is not exactly a LCA （life cycle assessment） method in the strict sense of ISO 14040 standards, which must cover all stages of a product＇s life cycle, ＂from the cradle to the grave＂, so to speak. A tiered hybrid LCA is a useful tool that covers all life cycle stages by combining a process analysis with the input-output analysis method. This study aims to extend input-output analysis to the use, disposal, and recycling stages by using matrix-based method. The new method is applied to the analysis of the embodied CO2 emissions of a refrigerator as a case study. The entire life cycle C02 emissions are estimated to be 2.9 tons, including indirect emissions, and the reduction in CO2 emissions due to recycling steel scrap is calculated as 48.5 kg. The authors conclude that the new method enables a consistent inventory analysis for all life cycle stages by combining process and input-output methods.

A Method to Visualize the Skeleton Industrial Structure with Input-Output Analysis and Its Application in China,Japan and USA

The paper established a double filtering method (DFM) to visualize the skeleton industrial structure (SIS) of one economy and find its evolution rule. Different with the previous researches, this method is from a new view of industrial conjunctions combined by leading sectors to depict the industrial structure. It was proved that the leading sector selected by DFM must be key sector selected by Hirschman-Rasmussen method. Applied DFM to input-output tables of China, Japan and USA and MFA to Japan, and USA, the results analysis showed that DFM could overtake the two main shortcomings of minimum flow analysis (MFA), scratch SIS of each economy with its own characteristics, visualize the general evolution rules of the industrial structure with crisscrossed conjunctions among leading sectors.

Exploring the Dynamics of Industrial Convergence Among RCEP Member Countries: An Empirical Study

The evolving dynamics of industrial convergence among the member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP)framework have emerged as a significant subject that merits in-depth consideration and analysis.This study initially employs multi-regional input-output(MRIO)data and the social network analysis(SNA)method to delineate the levels and variation trends of this industrial convergence across the RCEP member countries.It then delves into the positive effects of this convergence phenomenon on the trade and investment fields of the member countries.The research findings indicate:(a)In 2006 and 2015,before the implementation of the RCEP,the RCEP member countries displayed a relatively close industrial convergence.The convergence levels exhibited a general upward trend on both the supply and the demand sides,but there were significant disparities in the levels of industrial convergence among the member countries.Furthermore,while the convergence in the three economic sectors showed an increasing trend,the development was uneven across the board.(b)Since the implementation of the RCEP,the trade ties among the member countries within the region have strengthened significantly,and the interplay between the countries’industrial and supply chains has been characterized by high-quality collaboration and demonstrated remarkable resilience.In addition,the convergence in the investment fields of the RCEP member countries and their respective industries has unleashed a wave of positive synergies.These findings offer valuable insights that can serve as a robust foundation for formulating effective policies to advance the growth and prosperity of the RCEP region.

Which sectors should be covered by the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism?

The European Union(EU)is developing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism(CBAM)to address carbon leakage in international trade.However,the EU has paid inadequate attention to input-output linkages,specifically those in the steel,aluminum,and fertiliser industries.This study aims to identify priority sectors eligible for initial regulation within the emissions-intensive trade-exposed(EITE)industries based on input-output linkages and compare its impacts with the current CBAM sector coverage.This study constructs a Global Production Network(GPN)and Carbon Flow Network(CFN)to present the input trade and embodied carbon flows for the EITE industries.This study highlights the role of the EITE industries as influential nodes in the production network and how the EITE industries in the EU contribute to carbon emissions.To improve the economy and political acceptability,CABM should cover four priority sectors with low economic impacts but a crucial role in reducing emissions,such as plastics,phosphorus fertiliser,aluminum,and copper industry.