The PIOLab: Building global physical input-output tables in a virtual laboratory

摘要: Informed environmental-economic policy decisions require a solid understanding of the economy’s biophysical basis. Global physical input-output tables ( gPIOTs) collate vast array ofinformation on world structure and its interdependence with environment. However, building gPIOTs requires dealing mismatched incompleteprimary data high uncertainties, which makes it time-consuming labor-intensive endeavor. We address this challenge by introducing PIOLab: A virtual laboratory for gPIOTs. It represents newest branch Industrial Ecology (IELab) concept, cloud-computing platform collaborative research environment through participants can use each other’s resources to assemble individual targeting specific questions. To overcome lack primary data, PIOLab builds extensively upon secondary derived from variety models commonly used in Ecology. case global iron-steel supply chains describe architecture highlight analytical capabilities. major strength gPIOT is ability provide mass-balanced indicators both apparent/direct embodied/indirect flows, regions disaggregated economic sectors. present first 10 years (2008-2017), covering32 regions, 30 processes 39 types iron/steel flows. Diagnostic tests reconciliation show good level adherence between raw values realized gPIOT. conclude elaborating how will be extended cover other materials energyflows.