Quantifying the impacts of multi-regional input–output data on emissions from imports

Recent years have seen an increased interest in consumption-based emissions. To calculate these, global multi-regional input–output (MRIO) data with environmental extensions are needed. However, various MRIO databases exist, each with unique strengths and limitations. This research investigates differences in emission estimates from global MRIO databases: EXIOBASE, FIGARO, GLORIA, and ICIO. We ask how the imported component of a country’s environmental footprint differs between these databases, to understand the implications of choosing one of these datasets over another. We find high levels of similarity across the databases for most countries, including for the 10 largest economies. However, differences are stronger for some countries with higher proportions of imported emissions. Here, choice of MRIO data can have a significant impact on policy decisions. Finally, industry-level analyses indicate that priority industries for climate policy are consistent across the datasets, even where absolute emission estimates may differ.