Identifying priority zones for carbon management in the Central Yunnan agglomeration

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Urban Planning

Background:

• Addressing carbon neutrality and peak carbon goals alongside regional development.
• Analyzing carbon dynamics in the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration at the county level.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze spatio-temporal dynamics of carbon sequestration, emissions, and offset effects.
• To establish a carbon management evaluation system and integrated zoning for compensation and management.
• To propose differentiated management strategies based on local conditions.

Main Methods:

• Spatio-temporal analysis of carbon sequestration and emissions.
• Development of a carbon management evaluation system.
• Integrated zoning based on carbon offset effect, composite index, and coupling coordination degree.

Main Results:

• Both carbon sequestration and emissions show upward trends over two decades.
• Significant spatial disparities in county-level carbon offset effects, with a "low in the center, high at the periphery" pattern.
• Categorization of the region into six zones with tailored management strategies.

Conclusions:

• Regional carbon responsibilities need clarification.
• Tailored carbon strategies and planning are essential for effective carbon management.
• The study provides a crucial zoning scheme for implementing differentiated management.