Mapping the interprovincial freight circulation networks and carbon emissions in China

Abstract

China’s rapid economic growth has led to an intricate interprovincial freight circulation network, contributing significantly to national carbon emissions. This study uses 4,001,666 truck transaction records to develop cartogram-based and topology-based visualizations of China’s interprovincial freight circulation network and carbon emissions. The results show spatial patterns of freight flows across eight goods categories and their environmental impacts, highlighting heterogeneity in network structure and spatial inequality in emissions. Furthermore, it reveals a clear core–periphery pattern where higher connectivity and carbon burdens concentrate in developed provinces. The findings highlight key emission hotspots and dominant freight types, informing sustainable logistics planning and regional development policies.