Can EEMRIO analyses establish the occurrence of ecologically unequal exchange

Abstract In a recent article Moran et al. (2013) find that high-income nations are mostly net exporters, not importers, of natural resources, which would seem to contradict the occurrence of ecologically unequal exchange. We take issue, however, with the theoretical conclusions as well as the empirical basis for their conclusions. Not only may a net export of embodied land be contingent on a net import of energy, but a renewed assessment of an updated database even contradicts their empirical findings by suggesting that high-income nations are indeed net importers of embodied land. We challenge the theoretical and methodological assumptions involved and raise the question whether environmentally-extended multi-regional input–output (EEMRIO) analyses are sophisticated and reliable enough to draw such conclusions and if they are able to prove or disprove the occurrence of ecologically unequal exchange. Current research on EEMRIO-based flows of embodied materials, energy, land, and labor in international trade confirms rather than questions the theory of ecologically unequal exchange.

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