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Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission: 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Land Systems and Global Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 6785

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xuechao Wang

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
Interests: LUCC; regional sustainability; low-carbon emissions
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Dr. Weize Song

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Low Carbon Energy, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
Interests: sustainable transformation pathways; inventory of carbon neutral technologies; climate change policy
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Dr. Yingjie Li

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Guest Editor

Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
Interests: ecosystem services; SDGs; telecoupling; sustainability
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue of Land entitled "Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission: 2nd Edition".

Land-based sectors play significant roles in carbon emissions and removals, including agriculture, forestry, other land uses, as well as land use and cover change (LUCC). More than 20% of carbon emissions globally are from land-based sectors. It is increasingly crucial to identify and model the relationship between land use sustainability and climate change, especially toward achieving the carbon emissions neutrality target or net-zero emissions goal. Based on the most recent Sixth Assessment Report released by Working Group Ⅲ of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the measures of land-use-relevant carbon emissions mitigation represent some of the most important options currently available. Land use sustainability ensures managed ecosystems and offers significant mitigation opportunities while delivering food, wood and other renewable resources as well as biodiversity conservation. Land-based sectors can both deliver carbon dioxide removal and substitute for fossil fuels, thereby enabling emissions reductions in other sectors.

Although the topic has been drawing increasing attention, especially in terms of carbon emissions, the linkages between land use sustainability and carbon emissions are not well identified. For example, exactly what proportion of carbon emissions are from land use? What are the proportions of carbon emissions from natural land-use change processes, human land-use activities or relevant energy consumption? What strategies can be used to mitigate the carbon emissions from land-based sectors, including agriculture and forestry? What measures should be taken when cooperating with other sectors in order to achieve carbon emissions neutrality? We are assembling this Special Issue to better answer these questions, and aim to analyse land use sustainability from the viewpoint of carbon emissions.

Original article and review article related to land use sustainability in the viewpoints of carbon emissions are welcomed.

Dr. Xue-Chao Wang
Dr. Weize Song
Dr. Yingjie Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

land use
sustainability
carbon emissions
carbon emissions neutrality
carbon source
carbon sink
climate change
agriculture
forestry

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Related Special Issue

Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission in Land (18 articles)

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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32 pages, 8520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial-Temporal Variation and Driving Forces of Carbon Storage at the County Scale in China Based on a Gray Multi-Objective Optimization-Patch-Level Land Use Simulation-Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs-Optimal Parameter-Based Geographical Detector Model: Taking the Daiyun Mountain’s Rim as an Example

by Gui Chen, Qingxia Peng, Qiaohong Fan, Wenxiong Lin and Kai Su

Land 2025, 14(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010014 - 25 Dec 2024

Viewed by 473

Abstract

Exploring and predicting the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving forces of carbon storage in typical mountain forest ecosystems under land-use changes is crucial for curbing the effects of climate change and fostering sustainable, eco-friendly growth. The existing literature provides important references for our related studies but further expansion and improvements are needed in some aspects. This study first proposed an integrated framework comprising gray multi-objective optimization (GMOP), Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST), the Patch-level Land Use Simulation Model (PLUS), and optimal parameter-based geographical detector (OPGD) models to further expand and improve on existing research. Then, the integrated model was used to analyze the spatial–temporal variation in land-use pattern and carbon storage at the county scale in China’s Daiyun Mountain’s Rim under four scenarios in 2032, and analyze the driving force of spatial differentiation of carbon storage. The results indicated that (1) land-use change primarily involves the mutual transfer among forest, cultivated, and construction land, with approximately 7.2% of the land-use type area undergoing a transition; (2) in 2032, the natural development scenario projects a significant reduction in forest land and an expansion of cultivated, shrub, and construction lands. Conversely, the economic priority, ecological priority, and economic–ecological coordinated scenarios all anticipate a decline in cultivated land area; (3) in 2032, the natural development scenario will see a 2.8 Tg drop in carbon stock compared to 2022. In contrast, the economic priority, ecological priority, and economic–ecological coordinated scenarios are expected to increase carbon storage by 0.29 Tg, 2.62 Tg, and 1.65 Tg, respectively; (4) the spatial differentiation of carbon storage is jointly influenced by various factors, with the annual mean temperature, night light index, elevation, slope, and population density being the key influencing factors. In addition, the influence of natural factors on carbon storage is diminishing, whereas the impact of socioeconomic factors is on the rise. This study deepened, to a certain extent, the research on spatiotemporal dynamics simulation of carbon storage and its driving mechanisms under land-use changes in mountainous forest ecosystems. The results can serve to provide scientific support for carbon balance management and climate adaptation strategies at the county scale while also offering case studies that can inform similar regions around the world. However, several limitations remain, as follows: the singularity of carbon density data, and the research scope being confined to small-scale mountainous forest ecosystems. Future studies could consider collecting continuous annual soil carbon density data and employing land-use simulation models (such as PLUS or CLUMondo) appropriate to the study area’s dimensions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission: 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 19298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Priority Supply Areas for Carbon Sinks Based on Ecosystem Service Flow: A Case Study for the Hexi Region in Northwestern China

by Meng Zhu, Yingqing Su, Qi Feng, Wei Liu, Yuanyuan Xue, Lingge Wang, Zexia Chen and Jutao Zhang

Land 2024, 13(12), 2064; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122064 - 1 Dec 2024

Viewed by 659

Abstract

The development and implementation of regional protection plans for ecosystem carbon storage services have been recognized as crucial actions for mitigating global climate change. However, the supply areas of carbon sequestration in terms of ecosystem service flows in inland regions are still less evaluated. The goal of this study is to identify the priority-ranked supply areas for carbon sinks. Here, we conducted a case study in the Hexi Region of northwestern China and proposed a framework to quantify the priority supply areas for carbon sinks from the perspective of ecosystem service flows. Firstly, we quantified the carbon service supply and demand areas by combining carbon models (i.e., the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach model and soil respiration models) with socioeconomic and natural factors. Then, we introduced a breaking point formula to estimate ecosystem service flow, specifically focusing on distance or range. Finally, we determined priority supply areas for carbon sinks based on the Zonation model. The results showed that significantly higher carbon sequestration values were detected in the Qilian Mountains, ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 t hm⁻², in comparison with desert oasis areas, where the supply values ranged from 0 to 0.01 t hm⁻². The urban areas and rural settlements within the study area are characterized by higher values of carbon emissions compared to those in the Qilian Mountains and deserts. The carbon flow analysis demonstrated that the middle and northern parts of the study area, being characterized by lower precipitation and sandy landscapes, were identified as locations with low carbon sequestration fluxes (<1.0 t hm⁻²). In addition, the mountainous regions were identified as the main highest priority area for ecosystem carbon sequestration, covering 8.33% of total area of the Hexi Region. Our findings highlighted the importance of the Qilian Mountains in terms of sustaining carbon sequestration service supply in the Hexi Region and targeted ecological protection practices to be implemented going forward. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission: 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 4218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Carbon Emission Trajectory and Influencing Factors of Agricultural Space Transfer: A Case Study of the Harbin-Changchun Urban Agglomeration, China

by Xiwen Bao, Xin Wang, Ziao Ge, Jiayao Xi and Yinghui Zhao

Land 2024, 13(12), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121994 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 633

Abstract

The reconstruction of land spatial planning and the increasing severity of carbon emissions pose significant challenges to carbon peak and carbon neutrality strategies. To establish low-carbon and sustainable agricultural spatial planning while achieving dual carbon strategy goals, it is essential to accurately analyze the mechanisms of agricultural spatial transfer and their carbon emission effects, as well as the key factors influencing carbon emissions from agricultural spatial transfer. Therefore, this study, based on land use remote sensing data from 2000 to 2020, proposes a carbon emission accounting system for agricultural space transfer. The carbon emission total from agricultural space transfer in the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration over the 20-year period is calculated using the carbon emission coefficient method. Additionally, the spatiotemporal patterns and influencing factors are analyzed using the standard deviation ellipse method and the geographical detector model. The results indicate that: (1) The agricultural space in the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration has increased, with a reduction in living space and an expansion of production space. Among land type conversions, the conversion between cultivated land and forest land has been the most intense. (2) The conversion of agricultural space to grassland and built-up land has been the primary source of net carbon emissions. The carbon emission center has shown a migration path characterized by “eastward movement and southward progression,” with a high-north to low-south distribution pattern. Significant carbon emission differences were observed at different spatial scales. (3) Natural environmental factors dominate the carbon emissions from agricultural space transfer, while socioeconomic and policy factors act as driving forces. Elevation is the primary factor influencing carbon emissions from agricultural space transfer. Interactions between factors generally exhibit nonlinear enhancement, with the interaction between elevation, annual precipitation, and industrial structure showing a strong explanatory power. Notably, the interactions between elevation, average annual precipitation, and industrial structure demonstrate significant explanatory power. These findings highlight the necessity for government action to balance agricultural spatial use with ecological protection and economic development, thereby providing scientific references for optimizing future land spatial structures and formulating regional carbon balance policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 2294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of High-Standard Scenic Areas Construction on County-Level Carbon Emissions and Its Spatial Spillover Effects: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment

by Ke Xu, Rui Zhang and Yun Tong

Land 2024, 13(11), 1895; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111895 - 12 Nov 2024

Viewed by 786

Abstract

This study investigated for the first time the tourism–carbon emissions nexus based on the destination construction perspective, using the China’s national scenic areas (CNSA) construction as a vehicle for concretization. A multi-source county panel dataset of 29,628 samples was constructed. The staggered Difference-in-Differences (DID) model and spatial DID model were further formulated. The findings show that: (1) the CNSA resulted in a 0.1024% reduction in carbon emission intensity (CEI) in treatment counties relative to non-treatment counties, and although the effect exhibits a delay, it persists and intensifies over time; (2) our heterogeneity results indicate that the inhibiting effect is significantly more pronounced in the western, eastern, and county subsamples; and (3) the spatial DID analysis reveals that the CNSA exerts a negative spatial spillover effect on CEI. This work enhances comprehension of the tourism–carbon emissions nexus, with implications for advancing regional carbon emission reduction policy strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission: 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 10009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution of Territorial Spaces and Its Effect on Carbon Emissions in Qingdao City, China

by Jiali He, Xiangfei Liu, Xuetong Wang, Xueyang Li, Linger Yu and Beibei Niu

Land 2024, 13(10), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101717 - 20 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 838

Abstract

Land use change has always been a significant factor affecting global carbon emissions. Dissecting the characteristics of territorial space evolution and its impact on carbon emissions is crucial for developing low-carbon-oriented territorial space optimization and governance strategies. This paper calculates the carbon emissions associated with territorial spaces in Qingdao from 2000 to 2020, utilizing land use data alongside various statistical data. Based on the accounting results, the evolution characteristics of territorial spaces and their corresponding carbon emissions, as well as the carbon transition dynamics resulting from space transfer, are analyzed. A carbon transition decomposition formula is then proposed to quantify the differential and spatially heterogeneous impacts of changes in space types and socio-economic development on emissions. The results indicate that: (1) the evolution of territorial spaces in Qingdao during 2000–2020 is characterized by an expansion of living space and a contraction of production and ecological spaces; (2) net carbon emissions rose from 313.98 × 10⁴ tons to 1068.58 × 10⁴ tons, with urban production space contributing the most (69.96% in 2020) due to its significantly high emission density. The spatial distribution of carbon emissions exhibited a stable “northwest–southeast” pattern, with increased dispersion and weakened directionality; (3) the transformation of territorial spaces promoted carbon emissions in Qingdao, with the conversion of urban production space to other uses yielding the most favorable carbon transitions, while the expropriation of agricultural production spaces for urban production and residents’ living has resulted in the most detrimental carbon transitions; (4) socio-economic development shapes the overarching pattern of regional emission density changes, whereas space transfers account for local variations. This paper also identifies priorities for spatial optimization and key sectors for emission reduction. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the carbon emission consequences of territorial space transformation in Qingdao, thereby providing valuable insights for regional spatial planning and optimization aimed at promoting low-carbon development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 9800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Optimization of Land Use Structure in Fujian Province Based on Low-Carbon Perspective

by Qingming Zhan and Haijie Yu

Land 2024, 13(9), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091410 - 1 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1421

Abstract

Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality strategies are pivotal in addressing climate change. Optimizing land use structure is a fundamental approach to achieving low-carbon development within a given territory. This study focuses on Fujian Province as the research subject, predicting carbon emissions for the next decade by analyzing the correlation between land use types and carbon emissions using the gray model. This analysis is based on land use panel data spanning from 2007 to 2021. The study applies the FLUS-Markov model to simulate Fujian’s land use in 2030. A multi-objective optimization model is developed from a low-carbon perspective, integrating carbon emissions, economic, and ecological factors. The study explores land use under three scenarios: natural development scenario (NS), low carbon scenario (LCS), and comprehensive scenario (CS). Findings highlight the relationship between land use-related carbon emissions, urbanization, and relevant policies in Fujian. The FLUS-Markov simulations suggest that under the NS scenario, carbon emissions in 2030 will reach 77.829 million tons, an increase of 11.013 million tons from 2020. In contrast, the LCS demonstrates that optimizing land use structures can effectively balance carbon reduction, economic growth, and ecological preservation. Under the CS, 2030 emissions could be reduced by 7.2854 million tons while maintaining economic and ecological benefits. Despite variations in construction land expansion across these scenarios, all follow a “one belt, one core” development pattern. The study concludes with policy recommendations, including industrial layout optimization and clean energy promotion. These findings support the alignment of land use optimization with Fujian’s future development needs, offering guidance for land-use planning and policies focused on low-carbon objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission: 2nd Edition)

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Review

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31 pages, 7572 KiB

Open AccessReview

Land-Based Carbon Effects and Human Well-Being Nexus

by Kexin Wang, Keren He, Xue-Chao Wang, Linglin Xie, Xiaobin Dong, Fan Lei, Changshuo Gong and Mengxue Liu

Land 2024, 13(9), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091419 - 3 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1088

Abstract

In light of international climate agreements and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is a growing need to enhance the understanding of the linkages among land use/cover change (LUCC) and its carbon effects (CEs), as well as human well-being (HW). While existing studies have primarily focused on the impacts of LUCC on CEs or ecosystem services, there remains a gap in systematically elucidating the complex relationships among LUCC, CEs, and HW. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the nexus between land-based CEs and HW, examining: (1) the correlation between LUCC and CEs, encompassing methodologies for investigating LUCC CEs; (2) the association between CEs and HW, introducing the concept of “low-carbon human well-being” and evaluation framework; and (3) the proposed framework of “LUCC-CEs-HW,” which delves into the intricate connections among three elements. The study identifies research gaps and outlines potential future directions, including assessments of LUCC CEs and low-carbon HW, exploration of the “LUCC-CEs-HW” nexus, and the development of standardized measurement approaches. Key opportunities for further investigation include establishing a unified evaluation index system and developing scalable methods. This paper elucidates the relationships among LUCC, CEs, and HW, offering insights for future works. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission: 2nd Edition)

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