A new framework for analysis of the spatial patterns of 15-minute neighbourhood green space to enhance carbon sequestration performance: A case study in Nanjing, China

Abstract

As the most fundamental unit of urban development, the performance of green space carbon sequestration in neighborhoods is, therefore, a crucial factor in the pursuit of carbon neutrality. Consequently, studying the performance of carbon sequestration from the spatial structure of green spaces in conjunction with the recreational features of the neighborhood is urgent and necessary. Herein, for the first time, we combined four types of indicators, namely carbon sequestration, green space spatial structure, natural environment, and human activities, using three types of 15-minute neighborhoods in the Nanjing metropolitan area as an example. As observed, the area indicator percentage of landscape (PLAND) contributed directly to the carbon sequestration of green areas and also influenced the carbon sequestration by affecting the average normalized vegetation index (NDVI) level; the shape indicator Simpson's evenness index (SIEI) not only helped to reduce the average temperature in the neighborhood but also improved the average NDVI level, both of which can contribute to carbon sequestration; the aggregation indicators aggregation index (AI) had no direct effect on the carbon sequestration performance but contributed to it by lowering the temperature. Thus, the current study revealed the mechanism by which the spatial characteristics of residential green spaces influenced carbon sequestration and proposed a new direction for future sustainable urban development.