Measurement and spatio-temporal transfer of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural sources in China: A food trade perspective

The transfer characterization of greenhouse gas from agricultural sources in the food trade is important to ensure food security and mitigate climate change. In this study, a spatial equilibrium model was established to simulate the trade flow patterns of grains and meat in China from 2000 to 2020 and the greenhouse gas from agricultural sources implied therein. This identified coupling relationship between production and greenhouse gas emissions. The results showed that the separation of supply and demand in food trade led to greenhouse gas transfers and flows that were similar to the food trade pattern. The total greenhouse gas transfer from grains decreased. However, that from meat increased from 13.91 Mt CO2-eq to 41.89 Mt CO2-eq, while the cross-regional transfer share increased from 47.86% to 59.16%. This study provides a benchmark for the better formulation of policies for zonal greenhouse gas reduction from agricultural sources.