Identification of priority areas for UGI optimisation under carbon neutrality targets: Perspectives from China

Abstract

Carbon neutrality targets are a common objective for cities and regions worldwide, the achievement of which relies on the transformation of urban infrastructure. Urban green infrastructure (UGI) is the only resilient carbon sequestration subsystem within cities in the carbon cycle process; however, a straightforward and feasible evaluation system for guiding the regulation and planning decisions regarding UGI as a carbon sink has yet to emerge. Here, we simulated the net primary productivity (NPP) of vegetation in Wuhan in 2020 based on the Sentinel-2 improved CASA model and assessed the efficiency of UGI carbon sequestration by combining the biomass-carbon conversion coefficient and zonal statistical tool. Potential influencing variables were explored based on the P-S-R model. Then, the optimal parameter-based geodetector revealed the driving mechanism of spatial heterogeneity in the efficiency of the UGI carbon sequestration service supply in highly urbanized regions, based on which we developed the ‘Carbon Sequestration Enhancement Priority Index’ (CSEPI), a strategic planning tool for identifying priority areas in which to implement carbon sink-enhanced field intervention measures. For these ‘high-priority’ areas, further UGI partition management tools and partition optimisation strategies are proposed. Our study contributes to the scientific planning and management of UGI in the context of combating climate change and with limited national public investment.

Keywords

• Urban green infrastructure
• Driving mechanisms
• Spatial heterogeneity
• Carbon sequestration service
• Efficiency
• Priority areas