Detecting the control and dependence relationships within the global embodied energy trade network

In the rapid process of globalization, merchandise trade has increased year by year, and the circulation and consumption of the energy embodied in the merchandise trade have increased. To study the relevant nature of the global embodied energy trade network (GEETN) from an overall perspective and the control and dependence relationships between various countries and regions from a partial perspective, this paper establishes a GEETN model, through an ecological network analysis (ENA) method and the motif of complex networks for research. From an overall perspective, a GEETN is a system that achieves stability quickly. Some developed countries, such as the United States and the European Union, and some emerging economies, such as China and Russia, play important roles in GEETN. From a partial perspective, in the GEETN model, US is mainly controlled by Asian countries and CA (Canada), EU is mainly controlled by other European countries, both due to their industrial layout in some extent. The scientific value of this article not only includes the improvement of model, but also provides a new perspective and a reference for the formulation of energy and climate change policies. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article establishes a model of the global embodied energy trade network (GEETN) which quickly achieves stability at a systems level. Developed countries like the United States and the European Union, as well as emerging economies like China and Russia, play significant roles in the GEETN. At a local level within the GEETN model, the US is primarily controlled by Asian countries and Canada, while the EU is mainly controlled by other European countries due to their industrial layout to some extent.