Spatial-temporal dynamics of carbon emissions and carbon sinks in economically developed areas of China: a case study of Guangdong Province

Abstract

This study analysed spatial-temporal dynamics of carbon emissions and carbon sinks in Guangdong Province, South China. The methodology was based on land use/land cover data interpreted from continuous high-resolution satellite images and energy consumption statistics, using carbon emission/sink factor method. The results indicated that: (1) From 2005 to 2013, different land use/land cover types in Guangdong experienced varying degrees of change in area, primarily the expansion of built-up land and shrinkage of forest land and grassland; (2) Total carbon emissions increased sharply, from 76.11 to 140.19 TgC yr−1 at the provincial level, with an average annual growth rate of 10.52%, while vegetation carbon sinks declined slightly, from 54.52 to 53.20 TgC yr−1. Both factors showed significant regional differences, with Pearl River Delta and North Guangdong contributing over 50% to provincial carbon emissions and carbon sinks, respectively; (3) Correlation analysis showed social-economic factors (GDP per capita and permanent resident population) have significant positive impacts on carbon emissions at the provincial and city levels; (4) The relationship between economic growth and carbon emission intensity suggests that carbon emission efficiency in Guangdong improves with economic growth. This study provides new insight for Guangdong to achieve carbon reduction goals and realize low-carbon development.

Tracking the Spatial–Temporal Evolution of Carbon Emissions in China from 1999 to 2015: A Land Use Perspective

“…Therefore, the carbon sinks of cropland were not taken into account due to its short turnover [41,42]. In this study, the carbon emissions of cropland were principally composed of two parts, namely CH 4 emissions from paddy fields and carbon emissions caused by agricultural production activities [16]. The specific calculation method can be expressed as follows:…”

“…In our previous study, three forms of carbon emissions intensity (CEI) were proposed [16], namely CEI per unit land area (LCEI), CEI per unit GDP (GCEI), and per capita carbon emissions (PCEI). These indices were used to quantify the carbon emissions intensity from the perspective of land, economic activity, and population, respectively.…”

“…However, the development of urbanization and economic growth is capable of reversing environmental degradation and further improving environment quality when economic development reaches a certain level [56]. This is because at this stage of development, the development mode of depending heavily on energy consumption and human labor transfers to an economy primarily driven by scientific and technological innovation [16].…”

“…On the other hand, land use also serves as a socioeconomic space carrier for carbon emissions caused by human production and living (about two-thirds of the total anthropogenic carbon emissions) [14]. Comprehensively calculating the carbon emissions from land use at different scales and analyzing their driving forces can not only help to develop an in-depth understanding of the intrinsic mechanism affecting carbon emissions by human activities and natural processes through land use [15], but can also assist in guiding regional low-carbon development from the perspectives of land use planning and land development [16]. Therefore, research on the carbon effects of land use has attracted more and more research scholars, government policy-makers, and companies, as well as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), during recent years.…”

Important evidence of constant low CO2 windows and impacts on the non-closure of the greenhouse effect

“…Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), the concentration of which has increased by 40% since pre-industrial times, is the most significant human-emitted greenhouse gas responsible for global warming 1 – 3 . CO 2 is a chemically inert gas 4 ; thus, it can remain in the atmosphere and be transported for long distances.…”