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Assessing the Sustainability Impact of Land-Use Changes and Carbon Emission Intensity in the Loess Plateau

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  • Shengli Ma

    (College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
    State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling 712100, China
    College of Ecological and Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China)

  • Mingxiang Xu

    (State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling 712100, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

Abstract

Regional socioeconomic development is intricately tied to reasonable land-use resources. Although many studies have analyzed land-use carbon emissions, there is a lack of analysis of the concept of intensity. Studying the land-use carbon emission intensity (LUCEI) is crucial for shaping effective land management strategies that support the integrated sustainable development of society, the economy, and the environment. This study examines land-use changes on the Loess Plateau (LP) from 2000 to 2020. The coefficient method, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and optimal parameters-based geographical detector model are used to identify and analyze the spatial clustering patterns and influencing factors affecting LUCEI, which provides more in-depth insights for the study of LUCEI. The results indicate: (1) Urban and Grassland areas showed the most significant growth, with Urban areas expanding by 10,845.21 km 2 and Grasslands by 7848.91 km 2 , respectively. This Urban expansion was mainly caused by the conversion of Grassland and Cropland, while Grassland expansion was primarily attributed to the decline in Barren. (2) The average LUCEI on the LP climbed from 0.38 in 2000 to 0.73 in 2020, indicating a 190.70% growth rate. (3) The spatial pattern of LUCEI remained stable but unevenly distributed, with extensive High-High and Low-Low clusters. (4) Socioeconomic factors had a greater explanatory power for LUCEI in the LP than natural factors. The LUCEI is not driven by a single factor, but by the combined influence of multiple factors. The interaction between nighttime light and population density explained the spatial distribution of LUCEI most strongly, with a q -value of 0.928. The findings underscore the critical role of socioeconomic development in shaping carbon emission dynamics on the LP. By linking LUCEI growth to land-use changes, this study offers concrete scientific guidance for policymakers seeking to balance socioeconomic growth with sustainable land-use practices. Based on these results, we recommend developing appropriate urban development plans that optimize land-use structures, enhance regional carbon sequestration capacities, and fully implement green transition requirements.

Suggested Citation

  • Shengli Ma & Mingxiang Xu, 2024. "Assessing the Sustainability Impact of Land-Use Changes and Carbon Emission Intensity in the Loess Plateau," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8618-:d:1492222
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhou, Yang & Li, Xunhuan & Liu, Yansui, 2021. "Cultivated land protection and rational use in China," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 106(C).
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