A Comparative Analysis of Carbon Accounting Methodologies and Tools

Global warming, driven by human activities increasing greenhouse gas levels, poses a significant threat. Rising temperatures, disrupted ecosystems, and extreme weather result. CO2 emissions impact the global climate system and various sectors. Carbon accounting helps assess emissions' origins and aids in mitigation. This study examines different carbon accounting methods, each with strengths, limitations and policy implications. Production Based Accounting (PBA) provides reliable data but neglects consumption patterns, potentially causing carbon leakage. Consumption-Based Accounting (CBA) offers a comprehensive view but faces challenges in data collection and political support. Input Output Analysis (IOA) integrates production and consumption but has uncertainties. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates environmental impacts from production to disposal but needs extensive data. Household Income Expenditure Survey (HIES) highlights emissions differences by income level for fair policies. Combining these methods is crucial for effective climate mitigation. Each approach has implications for policy-making: PBA for reliable data, solely assigns responsibility to production locations CBA for broader perspective, requires political support for successful implementation, IOA for strategies, LCA for cleaner practices, and HIES for equitable policies.