An Approximation to the Environmental Impact of Economic Growth Using the Material Flow Analysis: Differences between Production and Consumption Methods, Applied to China, United Kingdom and USA (1990–2017)

The relationship between economic growth and environmental impact has become a recurrent subject of research in recent years. Currently, results that indicate the accumulation leads to reduction coexist with others do not show any evidence this respect. This paper aims analyse using Material Flow Analysis through two most frequent methods: territorial or production consumption. For purpose, data from China, United Kingdom USA 1990–2017 are used. method used influences conclusions, mainly due differences accounting physical trade flows. method, which flows coincide monetary flows, tends underestimate material consumption rich, importing countries, while overestimating exporting countries. Policies based on have limited capacity reduce global impacts. allows be allocated each country way is more line its true requirements.