Water-Energy-Carbon Nexus Analysis of China

China is one of the fastest-growing economies worldwide, consuming a vast number of resources (like water, energy), along with significant environmental issues (like emissions). As three crucial indicators of both social development and environmental sustainability, water, energy and carbon have been playing significant roles in regional sustainability. It is critical to understand Water-Energy-Carbon nexus. This study analysed the Water-Energy-Carbon nexus of China. The environmental Input-Output (EIO) model was employed for analysing the embodied water (energy) consumption and embodied CO₂ emissions, water (energy) consumption coefficients and CO₂ emission coefficients as well as the characteristics of Water-Energy-Carbon nexus. Results shown that: 1) Agricultural accounted for 64.38% of national total water consumption, however, its water utilisation efficiency was only 32%; 2) Light industry, agriculture, heavy industry, construction and services industry were top 5 embodied water consumers; 3) Agriculture was with the most significant water consumption coefficient and direct water consumption coefficient, which were much higher than that of other sectors. Light industry, services industry and heavy industry were the top three sectors of indirect water consumption coefficients; 4) Heavy industry, light industry, construction and services industry were top four embodied energy consumers and CO₂ emitters; 5) Heavy industry, light industry and services industry had both highest energy consumption coefficients and indirect energy consumption coefficients. This study provides a better understanding of the Water-Energy-Carbon nexus in China. It can be a support for future related studies.