Embodied carbon emission flow network analysis of the global nickel industry chain based on complex network

Nickel is an energy-intensive resource, and with the expansion of global demand for nickel, the embodied carbon emissions of its industrial chain in international trade are also increasing. The study of the embodied carbon emission flow of the global nickel industry chain can provide support for the low-carbon development and sustainable supply of nickel resources. Under the accounting framework of life cycle assessment, this study analyzes the embodied carbon emission flow of the global nickel industry chain from the perspective of network. The results show that the embodied carbon emission flow network (ECEFN) of all links of the global nickel industry chain presents small world nature. Some economies in the network have more flow relations, and the main flows carry 50.5 % to 92.2 % of the total embodied carbon emissions in each link. The ECEFN of the whole industrial chain is divided into four plates, of which plate C has the most significant spillover effect on the entire network. Key economies are identified through centrality and weight indicators, with China playing the most crucial role. Plate members should strengthen cooperation to achieve collaborative emission reduction. Differentiated and targeted mitigation measures are needed for key economies and main flow relationships.