Exports generate almost a quarter of Chinese emissions

Western companies are indirectly responsible for a large chunk of China's carbon footprint

The developed world is indirectly responsible for almost a quarter of China's carbon emissions, according to a new report from climate change research group the Tyndall Centre.

The research used emissions and trade data from 2004 to calculate the carbon emissions generated through the manufacture and export of goods destined for the West. It found that exports were responsible for 23 per cent of China's total carbon footprint. Overall, emissions associated with Chinese exports were double UK emissions for the same period.

Report co-author Dr Jim Watson of the University of Sussex said that the research highlighted the extent to which developed economies are responsible for much of China's rapidly expanding carbon footprint. "It has been bandied around for some time that although China is the world's largest emitter, much of this is down to the production of products that are consumed elsewhere," he said. " This research has found that this is indeed the case."

The findings will increase calls for a new international agreement on climate change that better accounts for the ability of the global supply chain to effectively outsource emissions to other countries. "There has to be an understanding that climate change and international trade are inextricably linked… the next step for a post-Kyoto agreement may be to say that instead of countries having emissions capped, industries should have caps instead," Watson said.

The research also highlights the growing pressure on western businesses to measure and address not just their own carbon footprint but also the secondary emissions associated with their supply chain partners. "The importance of business is often underestimated when looking at this issue," said Watson. " Companies do have this power to lean on suppliers to improve their practices and they are also the agents that will ultimately deliver the technology transfer to their Chinese suppliers that will allow them to cut emissions."

The Tyndall Centre report comes as new research from maritime industry body Intertanko found that carbon emissions from shipping are twice the level of aviation. The research found that the level of emissions has soared in recent years as international trade has increased and ships have burned more fuel in an attempt to complete journeys quicker.