Analyzing carbon source-sink nexus for green and sustainable transition at the local scale

Abstract

The pursuit of green and sustainable transition at the local level holds great significance for achieving high-quality development, particularly in developing countries and regions. An in-depth understanding of the intricate relationship between carbon sources and sinks can assist in identifying the key influencing factors of low carbon development. Therefore, this study takes Chongming District of Shanghai in China as an example and proposes a novel methodology to assess the relationship between carbon sources and sinks from the nexus perspective. Our results reveal that: 1) From 2000 to 2020, the overall carbon sink level in Chongming has increased gradually, but its growth rate lags behind its carbon emissions level. Both the intensity of carbon emissions and the extent of high-carbon emission areas have significantly increased. And the trend of carbon balance change is consistent with the original planning goals. 2) In order to achieve a dynamic balance between carbon sources and sinks in temporal and spatial scales, integrated source-sink plan and associated measures must be taken. Additionally, to promote the green, low-carbon, and sustainable transition, it’s crucial to maintain a dynamic equilibrium between the natural ecological interface and the socio-economic interface. 3) This study aims to enhance our understanding of regional carbon peaking and neutrality from the perspective of source-sink nexus and can serve as a decision-support tool for other developing countries and regions seeking to achieve net-zero carbon transition within the constraints of local energy-resource endowments.