Search

In the rapid process of globalization, merchandise trade has increased year by year, and the circulation and consumption of the energy embodied in the merchandise trade have increased. To study the relevant nature of the global embodied energy trade network (GEETN) from an overall perspective and the control and dependence relationships between various countries and regions from a partial perspective, this paper establishes a GEETN model, through an ecological network analysis (ENA) method and the motif of complex networks for research. From an overall perspective, a GEETN is a system that achieves stability quickly. Some developed countries, such as the United States and the European Union, and some emerging economies, such as China and Russia, play important roles in GEETN. From a partial perspective, in the GEETN model, US is mainly controlled by Asian countries and CA (Canada), EU is mainly controlled by other European countries, both due to their industrial layout in some extent. The scientific value of this article not only includes the improvement of model, but also provides a new perspective and a reference for the formulation of energy and climate change policies. [Display omitted] • We integrated ecological network analysis (ENA) with motif. • We analyzed the nature of global embodied energy trade network (GEETN). • The key countries and regions within the GEETN are detected. • The key control and dependence relationships within the GEETN are detected. • The results support policies of energy consumption and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of determined or ambitious environmental policies may lead to regressive distributional impacts, disproportionately affecting low income population groups. The imposition of additional taxes on energy products affects negatively low-income households that face funding scarcity, increasing the risk of energy poverty. In this study, the state-of-the-art general equilibrium model GEM-E3-FIT is significantly expanded to represent ten income classes in all EU Member States. Each income class is differentiated by income sources, savings, and consumption patterns. We use the new modelling capabilities of GEM-E3-FIT to quantify the distributional impacts of European Union's ambitious emission reduction targets, in particular exploring their effects on income by skill and on energy-related expenditure by income class. The analysis shows that the transition to climate neutrality may increase modestly inequality across income classes, with low-income households facing the most negative effects. However, using carbon tax revenues as lump-sum transfers to support household income and as reduced social security contributions will increase employment and reduce income inequality across households in EU countries. • We develop a novel methodology to assess distributional impacts of climate policies. • We use and improve state-of-the-art macro-economic GEM-E3-FIT model. • We provide insights on socio-economic impacts for EU income classes. • High carbon pricing may have limited regressive impacts on households. • Targeting ETS revenues to low-income households increases equality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]