China’s ecological footprint via biomass import and consumption is increasing
Authors: Shaojian Wang,Chuanglin Fang,Xiangjie Chen,Junyi Liang,Kangyao Liu,Kuishuang Feng, Klaus Hubacek&Jieyu Wang
Journal: communications earth & environment
Abstract
As China’s economic and population demands grow, the need for biomass imports rises, presenting challenges for sustainable development and global ecosystem protection. Here we examine China’s increasing influence on global ecosystems through its biomass product consumption and trade using the Human Appropriation of Net Primary Productivity framework, analyzing data from 2004 to 2017 with projections until 2050. In 2017, China was the world’s largest biomass consumer, consuming approximately 1.75 petagrams of carbon per year, projected to rise by 317.6% by 2050, highlighting China’s major role in global ecosystem stress. Our findings also show an increase in biomass imports from lower-middle-income and low-income countries between 2004 and 2017, and these imports are expected to continue increasing by 402.9% in 2050. The analysis reveals that domestic product demand and changes in foreign production efficiency are key drivers of this trend, suggesting the need for China to shift towards more efficient trade practices and support cleaner production methods internationally.
Last modified: | 23 May 2024 12.45 p.m. |
More news
-
10 June 2024
Swarming around a skyscraper
Every two weeks, UG Makers puts the spotlight on a researcher who has created something tangible, ranging from homemade measuring equipment for academic research to small or larger products that can change our daily lives. That is how UG...
-
21 May 2024
Results of 2024 University elections
The votes have been counted and the results of the University elections are in!