Carbon emissions from international trade and consumption: Assessing the role of cumulative risk for EU and Chinese economic development

The study examines the relationship between trade openness and carbon dioxide emissions in the cumulative risks context for China's economic development and the European Union. Hypotheses derived from a review of the literature substantiate the following key findings: (1) A reduction in CO2 emissions in developed countries due to restrictions on international trade may lead to an increase in CO2 emissions in developing and transitional economies. (2) Trade restrictions can reduce CO2 emissions in developed countries by shifting production to less developed nations. (3) The existing trade restriction policies do not effectively curb global CO2 emissions and may exacerbate social inequality between “wealthy” and “poor” countries. The study findings hold relevance for policymakers, academic researchers, experts in climate change mitigation. •CO2 emissions are the most serious environmental threat.•Governments frequently face a trade-off when implementing CO2 mitigation policies.•International community should continue its efforts to protect the environment.