Accounting for household carbon emissions and estimating their proportion in China based on multi-source data
The household carbon emission proportion provides an intuitive reflection of the relative importance of carbon reduction in the domain of household consumption and frequently appears in media reports.However,the proportion cited by different media sources show significant variations(ranging from 30％to 65％),potentially misleading the public and policymakers.To analyse the causes of these discrepancies,the proportion data presented in media reports and academic papers were systematically investigated.Additionally,this study delineated the numerator and denominator of the household carbon emission proportion,as well as employs multiple data sources to establish a benchmark through input-output analysis.Results revealed that the proportion data in media reports often lacked clear sources and oversimplify background information,casting doubt on their reliability.In contrast,academic papers tended to focus more on emission volumes rather than proportions,and exhibited significant differences in accounting scope and data sources.The proportion derived from input-output analysis ranged between 27.83％and 38.43％,typically lower than the values reported in the media and the proportions of developed countries.To enhance the comparability and transparency of research findings,it was recommended to account for household carbon emissions according to scope 1,2,and 3 of the GHG protocol and to clarify energy types and behaviours covered.Overall,over 80％of household carbon emissions were indirect emissions,and their reduction relied on scientific guidance of consumer choices,which was the direction that the government should focus on.Additionally,to prevent misinformation,the media should be required to cite sources and background information when reporting proportion data.Lastly,to gain more discourse power in climate issue discussions,it was crucial for Chinese institutions to optimize input-output analysis methodologies and develop multi-regional input-output table databases.
国家科技期刊平台
NSTL
万方数据
