Is ecological protection and restoration of full-array ecosystems conducive to the carbon balance? A case study of Hubei Province, China

Abstract

The ecological protection and restoration of full-array ecosystems (EPRFE) is crucial for improving ecological environments in many respects. However, whether EPRFE can contribute to the carbon balance in terms of reducing carbon emissions and increasing carbon sequestration remains unclear. In this study, an indicator system is conducted to assess EPRFE levels, a net carbon emission accounting method is applied to measure carbon balance, and a coupling coordination model is employed to explore the relationship between EPRFE levels and net carbon emissions of cities in Hubei Province from 2013 to 2017. The results showed that Jingzhou and Jingmen achieved high EPRFE levels, whereas Shennongjia and Ezhou exhibited relatively low EPRFE levels. Moreover, the Wuhan Urban Agglomeration achieved higher net carbon emissions than western Hubei. Overall, EPRFE projects had positive effects on reducing net carbon emissions. The coupling degree between EPRFE levels and net carbon emissions was significantly high (0.85); however, the coordination degree was moderate (0.68) and needs further improvement. The results of this study can be an effective reference for improving EPRFE management strategies through adaptive environmental assessment and management to achieve low-carbon development.