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Spatial Temporal Differences in Carbon Emissions from Land-Use Change and Carbon Compensation in Gansu Province, China

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  • Qiang Liu

    (College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui 741000, China
    State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Xianyang 712100, China)

  • Shenglong Zhao

    (College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui 741000, China)

  • Lixia Wang

    (College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui 741000, China)

Abstract

This study employs land use and energy consumption data from Gansu Province spanning the years 2005 to 2020 and utilizes models to estimate carbon emissions and the corresponding carbon compensation values. The research calculated the carbon emissions and compensation for various administrative regions over different time periods, revealing the following insights: (1) There is a notable increasing trend in net carbon emissions due to land-use changes in Gansu Province, characterized by an initial swift rise, followed by a more gradual growth pattern. Construction land is identified as the primary contributor to carbon emissions, increasing from 26 million tons in 2005 to 55.3 million tons in 2020, which is an increase of 1.80 times; meanwhile, forested areas, as significant carbon sinks, show a slight increase in carbon absorption from 2.33 million tons in 2005 to 2.35 million tons in 2020. (2) The municipalities with high net carbon emissions are predominantly Lanzhou, Qingyang City, and Jiuquan City, which are marked by high levels of carbon emissions and low compensation rates. In contrast, regions with lower net carbon emissions are mainly found in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where emissions are minimal and compensation rates are relatively high. A similarity in the spatial distribution patterns of both net carbon emission intensity and total net carbon emissions is observed among these cities. Alterations in land use have a significant impact on regional carbon emissions. Investigating the spatiotemporal variations of land-use change and carbon compensation in Gansu Province is essential for comprehending the dynamics of regional carbon emissions, developing effective emission reduction strategies, and fostering low-carbon development.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiang Liu & Shenglong Zhao & Lixia Wang, 2025. "Spatial Temporal Differences in Carbon Emissions from Land-Use Change and Carbon Compensation in Gansu Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:1005-:d:1577555
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mingjie Tian & Zhun Chen & Wei Wang & Taizheng Chen & Haiying Cui, 2022. "Land-Use Carbon Emissions in the Yellow River Basin from 2000 to 2020: Spatio-Temporal Patterns and Driving Mechanisms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-16, December.
    2. Jie Li & Ninghui Pan & Xin Ma & Zhiyuan Cheng & Yao Yao & Guang Li & Jianyu Yuan & Guorong Xu, 2024. "Mutual Causality Between Urban Transport Superiority Degree and Urban Land Use Efficiency: Insights from County Cities in Gansu Province Under the Belt and Road Initiative," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-25, October.
    3. Yanjie Zhang & Wei Song & Shun Fu & Dazhi Yang, 2020. "Decoupling of Land Use Intensity and Ecological Environment in Gansu Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-15, April.
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