Development of an Embedded Carbon Emissions Indicator - Producing a Time Series of Input-Output Tables and Embedded Carbon Dioxide Emissions for the UK by Using a MRIO Data Optimisation System: Executive Summary

Abstract:

<p>This document is the executive summary for the project titled 'Producing a Time Series of Input-Output Tables and Embedded Carbon Dioxide Emissions for the UK by Using a MRIO Data Optimisation System'.</p> <p>This report describes work and results from the project 'Development of an Embedded Carbon Emissions Indicator', undertaken by the Stockholm Environment Institute and the University of Sydney on behalf of Defra (Project Ref.: EV02033). The work is a follow-up of a previous project where the most appropriate approach to constructing a robust account of impacts of trade and thus overall consumption in a headline indicator for Sustainable Development was identified. The present work describes the implementation of such a model.</p> <p>The project aim was to develop and implement an initial data and model framework (called "UK-MRIO 1") for the flexible adaptation of national input-output and environmental databases for use in a multi-region environmental input-output model in the future, thus setting the basis for detailed multi-country analyses of environmental impacts associated with UK trade flows. This aim was not only achieved but actually exceeded in that a fully functional MRIO model with four regions (UK + three world regions) was assembled and a time series of balanced input-output data and embedded CO2 emissions was produced on the full 123 sector level.</p> <p>The current model is a major step towards a fully fledged multi-region input-output model featuring multidirectional trade of a substantial number of UK trading partners. UK-MRIO 1 is already the most detailed and comprehensive modelling approach for the estimation of CO2 emissions embedded in UK trade with high relevance for national and international environmental policy-making. The model can be used to produce a range of outputs, for example more detailed results for industry sectors, foreign economies, or other pollutants.</p>

Author(s):

Wiedmann, T., Wood, R., Lenzen, M., Minx, J., Guan, D. and Barrett, J.