Increasing atmospheric emissions and health burdens embodied in international trade

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/DebateContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Ruifei Li - , Shanghai University (Author)
  • Xu Zhu - , Shanghai University (Author)
  • Jin Zhang - , Hohai University (Author)
  • Hui Li - , Shanghai University (Author)
  • Peter Krebs - , Chair of Urban Water Management (Author)

Abstract

Atmospheric emissions are of great concern, as air pollution has been identified as one of the leading risk factors for premature death worldwide. Due to the strong relationship between emissions and economic activities, international trade has separated the regions where products are consumed from regions where emissions and associated health risks occur, thereby resulting in a globalization of atmospheric emissions and health burdens. Previous studies have demonstrated the transfer of global atmospheric emissions based on the combination of emission inventory and environmental economic method, yet the trend of this transferring effect has not been fully explored. This study summarizes the long-term trends in the impacts of international trade on atmospheric emissions and health impacts. About 20–33% of global CO2 and 30% of PM2.5 emissions were associated with international trade and mainly embodied in exports from developing regions and imports to developed regions. Furthermore, with the rise of South-South trade, a displacement of atmospheric emissions toward emerging regions has expanded in recent decades. Moreover, the PM2.5-related health impacts embodied in trade increased by 32% from 2007 to 2017. Accordingly, it is critical to determine the impact of international trade on atmospheric emissions and associated health burdens to subsequently assist aerosol pollution mitigation policies through global cooperation.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number100062
JournalSustainable Horizons
Volume8
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Air pollution, Health impacts, International trade, Long-term trends, South-South trade