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Article
Peer-Review Record

Structural Changes in Chile’s Industries to Reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions: An Emissions Multiplier Product Matrix Analysis (eMPM)

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6615; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156615
by Sergio Soza-Amigo 1,* and Jean Pierre Doussoulin 2,3,*
Reviewer 1: Anonymous
Reviewer 2: Anonymous
Reviewer 3:
Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6615; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156615
Submission received: 17 June 2024 / Revised: 14 July 2024 / Accepted: 17 July 2024 / Published: 2 August 2024

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper is generally well-composed; however, it requires a more prominent emphasis on innovation in the introduction and a clearer explanation of the rationale behind selecting Chile as the subject of study.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Comments on the Quality of English Language


Author Response

The modifications made to the document are highlighted

Comment: This paper is generally well-composed; however, it requires a more prominent emphasis on innovation in the introduction and a clearer explanation of the rationale behind selecting Chile as the subject of study.

Response: In response to your remarks, we updated the text between lines 85-113 and 123-133

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article "Structural Changes in Chile's Industries to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions: An Emissions Multiplier Product Matrix Analysis" by Sergio Soza-Amigo and Jean Pierre Doussoulin examines the issue of CO2 emissions across various industries in Chile. Using the Emission Multiplier Product Matrix (eMPM) method, combined with the Multi-Region Input-Output (MRIO) database and elasticity, the article explores how changes in Chile's industrial structure impact CO2 emissions. The main objective of the paper is to analyze how changes in productive sectors in Chile affect the generation of emissions and to propose improvements in emissions reduction through technology application and appropriate state regulation. Before publication, the authors should address the following issues.

 

1. The article employs the eMPM method to analyze the impact of structural changes in Chilean industries on CO2 emissions, demonstrating a certain degree of innovativeness. By combining the MRIO database with elasticity analysis, the study offers a new perspective on understanding emission linkages between different regions and industries. However, the paper could further clarify the advantages and unique contributions of this method compared to traditional analysis methods to better highlight its innovativeness.

 

2. The article uses 2014 MRIO data for Chile and incorporates CO2 consumption data from FIGARO. However, it is recommended that the authors provide more detailed data processing and analysis steps, particularly how CO2 consumption data is integrated with the regions and industries of Chile. This would enhance the transparency and reproducibility of the research.

 

3. The article presents the emission linkages of different macro-regions and industries in Chile through charts, showing significant impacts on national emissions from central regions and key industries. However, the paper could further delve into the policy implications of these results, especially on how policy interventions can reduce emissions in high-emission regions and industries, and how best practices can be promoted nationwide.

 

4. The article cites numerous relevant works, but some references are outdated. It is suggested that the authors incorporate recent studies, especially those on the advancements in eMPM and MRIO analysis. This would better position the research within the current academic landscape.

 

5. The article is well-structured with clear logic and concise expression. However, some paragraphs are somewhat lengthy in their argumentation. It is advised to streamline these sections to enhance readability. Additionally, explaining some key terms and methods could help non-specialist readers better grasp the core content of the paper.

 

6. In the abstract, the sentence "by integrating CO2 emissions with multi-region input-output table (MRIO) databases and elasticity" should use "elasticities" instead of "elasticity".

In the sentence "the study of structural change, proposed by Soza-Amigo and Ramos, (2020), is reflected in the differences in elasticities between economic sectors" at line 68, the comma after "Ramos" should be removed.

In the sentence "multi-region input-output table (MRIO) and Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP)1" at line 123, the citation marker "1" lacks a corresponding reference.

In the sentence "Pat s-01 Pat s-02 Pat s-03 Pat s-04" at line 227, semicolons (;) should be added after each item to distinguish them.

 

7. The article's data processing and analysis steps, though somewhat detailed, lack specific experimental design details. It is suggested that the authors thoroughly describe the steps and methods of data collection, processing, and analysis, including the statistical software and parameter settings used, to enhance the reproducibility and credibility of the research.

The MRIO data used is limited to 2014, which may not fully represent the current emission situation in Chile. The authors should discuss the limitations of the data timeframe and consider supplementing the latest data to improve the timeliness and applicability of the research results. Furthermore, the paper could explore the rationale and potential biases of using FIGARO data.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

There are some writing and grammatical errors in English.

Author Response

The modifications made to the document are highlighted

The article "Structural Changes in Chile's Industries to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions: An Emissions Multiplier Product Matrix Analysis" by Sergio Soza-Amigo and Jean Pierre Doussoulin examines the issue of CO2 emissions across various industries in Chile. Using the Emission Multiplier Product Matrix (eMPM) method, combined with the Multi-Region Input-Output (MRIO) database and elasticity, the article explores how changes in Chile's industrial structure impact CO2 emissions. The main objective of the paper is to analyze how changes in productive sectors in Chile affect the generation of emissions and to propose improvements in emissions reduction through technology application and appropriate state regulation. Before publication, the authors should address the following issues.

Comment 1: The article employs the eMPM method to analyze the impact of structural changes in Chilean industries on CO2 emissions, demonstrating a certain degree of innovativeness. By combining the MRIO database with elasticity analysis, the study offers a new perspective on understanding emission linkages between different regions and industries. However, the paper could further clarify the advantages and unique contributions of this method compared to traditional analysis methods to better highlight its innovativeness.

Response: We have modified the text considering your recommendations.

Comment 2: The article uses 2014 MRIO data for Chile and incorporates CO2 consumption data from FIGARO. However, it is recommended that the authors provide more detailed data processing and analysis steps, particularly how CO2 consumption data is integrated with the regions and industries of Chile. This would enhance the transparency and reproducibility of the research.

Response: Thank you for your suggestions. we updated the text between lines 432-445

Comment 3: The article presents the emission linkages of different macro-regions and industries in Chile through charts, showing significant impacts on national emissions from central regions and key industries. However, the paper could further delve into the policy implications of these results, especially on how policy interventions can reduce emissions in high-emission regions and industries, and how best practices can be promoted nationwide.

Response: In response to your remarks, we have expanded the list of public policy tools available for lowering CO2 emissions and their effects. We updated the text between lines 611 to 624.

Comment 4: The article cites numerous relevant works, but some references are outdated. It is suggested that the authors incorporate recent studies, especially those on the advancements in eMPM and MRIO analysis. This would better position the research within the current academic landscape.

Response: We have included current references that use MPM and MRIO. We incorporated works in table 1 and between lines 174-178, 181-185 and 261-264.  

Comment 5: The article is well-structured with clear logic and concise expression. However, some paragraphs are somewhat lengthy in their argumentation. It is advised to streamline these sections to enhance readability. Additionally, explaining some key terms and methods could help non-specialist readers better grasp the core content of the paper.

Response: To make the material easier to understand, some paragraphs have been cut and others have been added. Furthermore, we have provided an explanation of the abbreviations in the appendix section.

Comment 6: In the abstract, the sentence "by integrating CO2 emissions with multi-region input-output table (MRIO) databases and elasticity" should use "elasticities" instead of "elasticity".

Response: We have modified the text in line 16

In the sentence "the study of structural change, proposed by Soza-Amigo and Ramos, (2020), is reflected in the differences in elasticities between economic sectors" at line 68, the comma after "Ramos" should be removed.

Response : We have updated the text in the followings lines 70, 87 and 303

In the sentence "multi-region input-output table (MRIO) and Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP)1" at line 123, the citation marker "1" lacks a corresponding reference.

Response : Please see the footnote below the line 193

In the sentence "Pat s-01 Pat s-02 Pat s-03 Pat s-04" at line 227, semicolons (;) should be added after each item to distinguish them.

Response : Thank you for your suggestions. we updated the text between lines 282-290

Comment 7: The article's data processing and analysis steps, though somewhat detailed, lack specific experimental design details. It is suggested that the authors thoroughly describe the steps and methods of data collection, processing, and analysis, including the statistical software and parameter settings used, to enhance the reproducibility and credibility of the research.

The MRIO data used is limited to 2014, which may not fully represent the current emission situation in Chile. The authors should discuss the limitations of the data timeframe and consider supplementing the latest data to improve the timeliness and applicability of the research results. Furthermore, the paper could explore the rationale and potential biases of using FIGARO data.

Response: Thank you for your comments. we changed the text between lines 476-520

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This study explores structural changes in Chilean industry, using emission multiplier product matrix analysis to analyze the effects of industrial growth and pollution emissions. The analysis method in this paper is relatively new, but there are still some problems need be solved.

1. There are many technical terms in this paper, and a table with the explanation of terms should be added.

2. In the introduction, firstly, this paper lacks an overall summary of the research content; Secondly, the innovation points of this paper are too few, and it is suggested to fill in two or more.

3. It is suggested to refer to and cite literature in appropriate places, Unlocking sustainable growth:  exploring the catalytic role of green finance in firms’ green total factor productivity[J]. Environmental Science and   Pollution Research, 2024: 1-13;  The spatial spillover effect of innovative city policy on carbon efficiency:   evidence from China[J]. The Singapore Economic Review, 2024.Unlocking sustainability potential:  The impact of green finance reform on corporate ESG performance,Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental  Management,2024.

4. The data in the lower left corner of Figure 1 is not clear or beautiful, so only some representative data can be placed.

5. Formula numbers should be aligned automatically.

6. In lines.348 to 361, the three aspects that can be answered in the text are suggested to be written as a whole paragraph. If they are divided into sections, the text is too scattered.

7. Figure 2 can be made clearer. If the number cannot be placed inside the picture, it can be placed outside.

8. The part of result analysis is relatively simple. It is hoped that some theoretical viewpoints can be cited to further analyze the relationship between industrial activities and carbon dioxide.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required.

Author Response

The modifications made to the document are highlighted

This study explores structural changes in Chilean industry, using emission multiplier product matrix analysis to analyze the effects of industrial growth and pollution emissions. The analysis method in this paper is relatively new, but there are still some problems need be solved.

Comment 1: There are many technical terms in this paper, and a table with the explanation of terms should be added.

Response: Thank you for your suggestions; we've included a table in the appendix to clarify the technical words.

Comment 2: In the introduction, firstly, this paper lacks an overall summary of the research content; Secondly, the innovation points of this paper are too few, and it is suggested to fill in two or more.

Response: We revised the introduction to reflect the recommendations of the article's reviewers.

Comment 3: It is suggested to refer to and cite literature in appropriate places, Unlocking sustainable growth:  exploring the catalytic role of green finance in firms’ green total factor productivity[J]. Environmental Science and   Pollution Research, 2024: 1-13;  The spatial spillover effect of innovative city policy on carbon efficiency:   evidence from China[J]. The Singapore Economic Review, 2024.Unlocking sustainability potential:  The impact of green finance reform on corporate ESG performance,Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental  Management,2024.

Response: Thank you for your comments, we have included the recommended articles in the manuscript.

Comment 4: The data in the lower left corner of Figure 1 is not clear or beautiful, so only some representative data can be placed.

Response: Thank you for pointing this out. We have improved the visualization of the data in the lower left corner of Figure 1.

Comment 5: Formula numbers should be aligned automatically.

Response: We appreciate you bringing this up and have aligned all the formulas in the article.

Comment 6: In lines.348 to 361, the three aspects that can be answered in the text are suggested to be written as a whole paragraph. If they are divided into sections, the text is too scattered.

Response: We appreciate your suggestion. To help everyone understand, we have combined these three ideas into a single paragraph and changed the numbering.

Comment 7: Figure 2 can be made clearer. If the number cannot be placed inside the picture, it can be placed outside.

Response: In relation to figure 2, the size of the text inside each node in figure 2 has been doubled, unfortunately the signage cannot be placed outside since the software used (Grafos) does not allow it. Please see line 553.

Comment 8: The part of result analysis is relatively simple. It is hoped that some theoretical viewpoints can be cited to further analyze the relationship between industrial activities and carbon dioxide.

Response: We agreed and have provided more theoretical viewpoints regarding the connection between industrial activity and CO2 emissions.

 

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