Greenhouse Gas Footprints of Nations Significantly Reshaped by Sink Changes

Abstract

In addition to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by sources, GHG removal by sinks is essential in achieving the net zero target by 2050. Both the GHG sources and sinks are influenced by local and remote socioeconomic activities through international trade. However, the impacts of international trade on global net GHG emissions remain unknown. This study estimates net GHG emissions of nations from the consumption perspective, considering both GHG sources and sinks influenced by human activities. Results show that 26% of global net GHG emissions were embodied in international trade. GHG footprints in tropical nations would be significantly underestimated if only sources are considered and sink changes are neglected, especially in Indonesia (counting 65% of its GHG footprints) and Africa (44%). After considering sink changes, the consumption of processed foods and animal products exerted larger impacts on GHG footprints of tropical nations, which is mainly attributed to emissions from forest conversion; and the GHG leakage through international trade from tropical nations (e.g., Indonesia) to other nations (e.g., India and the United States) was more prominent. These results highlight the importance of sink changes in assessing GHG footprints. They can offer new insights into expediting the achievement of the net zero target.