Local and tele-coupling development between carbon emission and ecologic environment quality

Abstract

Carbon emissions (CE) have a profound impact on the natural environment of the surface, and the ecologic environment quality (EEQ) affects the conversion and absorption of CE. CE and EEQ have an interaction and mutual influence relationship. The connection between them includes not only local interactions but also the long-range distance of external systems. It is critical to measure CE and EEQ and coordinate their association in order to increase the effectiveness of CE and EEQ collaborative governance. However, the traditional remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) model ignores the importance of air quality. Furthermore, there is limited current research on the local and telecoupling relationship between CE and the EEQ. To fill these research gaps, this paper first used night light data to dynamically monitor CE. Then we proposed an upgraded RSEI model (RSEInew) to assess EEQ. Finally, the local and telecoupling coordination degree (LTCCD) model was suggested to further investigate their relationship in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) from 2000 to 2019. The results showed that: (1) Total CE in the YREB increased from 837.5738 million tons to 4757.3794 million tons between 2000 and 2019 but has not yet reached its peak. Jiangsu and Zhejiang are at the forefront in terms of CE and have huge emission reduction potential. (2) The YREB's overall EEQ has deteriorated over the last 20 years. The average RSEInew value ranged between 0.52 and 0.71, with “medium” and “good” EEQ levels dominating. (3) The LTCCD of CE and EEQ in the YREB has increased year by year. This study can deliver a reference for decision-makers to synergistically formulate carbon emission reduction plans and environmental protection schemes.