Towards the decarbonisation of Ecuador: a multisectoral and multiregional analysis of its carbon footprint

Abstract

Globally, interest in the environment and its conservation is growing and primordial. Emissions abatement is one of the main challenges faced by different governments. Firstly, the emissions should be estimated, and two types of responsibilities or focuses stand out, the producer’s and the consumer’s. Based on the Multiregional Input–Output Methodology, this study determines Ecuador's responsibility in terms of CO2 emissions. It defines the economic sectors that have the greatest representation in these emissions, as well as establishing an assessment at the level of the Trade Balance. To do so, the EORA database was used. There has been a strong growth of Ecuador’s Footprint of 145.26% from 2000 to 2015, with the transport and secondary sectors having the highest representation and the trade with the BRICS nations standing out. This result strengthens the need to foster a change in the consumption patterns of the population and the public administrations. It is therefore recommended that the authorities allocate part of the public budget to measures oriented to sustainable consumption. Amongst other measures, it would be advisable to extend the RENOVA Plan to private vehicles, as well as to launch awareness campaigns on the degree of sustainability of imported products. These types of measures could stop the strong growth in emissions per capita, essential to reduce the country's carbon footprint.