The impact of foreign trade on the Netherlands’ real CO2 emissions

Aim: CO₂ emissions and the related climate change are a global problem, where the direct impact of actions of individual countries depends on their total share in CO₂ emissions. In order to assess the potential for policy measures, the openness of an economy, and the related import and export and their impacts on emissions should be considered. The aim of this paper is the attempt to show the real CO₂ emissions of the Netherlands as well as the impact of its trade on CO₂ emissions in other countries in the world and in the EU in 2015. Design / Research methods: This study was conducted on the group of countries that are the major emitters of CO₂ in the world including most of the EU members. Countries with negligible CO₂ emissions were omitted. Actual CO₂ emissions were obtained by applying the actual emission factor. This takes into account the transfer of CO₂ in export products and services as well as those imported by particular countries. Conclusions / findings: The real CO₂ emissions in the Netherlands are significantly different from the gross values, which represent the CO₂ emissions in the particular countries. It is also important to indicate that isolated actions of a single country within the European Union itself do not deliver the intended global and regional target – significant CO₂ emissions reduction. The approach proposed in this study, when applied, may have serious implications for individual EU member states in implementing their energy policy objectives. Originality / value of the article: The article shows a different approach to the issue of CO₂ emission, including the importance of international trade in a globalizing world.