Land-Use Change and Carbon Sequestration in Rapidly Urbanizing Regions

Strategic Insights -

Investigations into environmental and sustainability indicators have led researchers to identify the impact of land-use change on regional carbon sequestration as a pressing concern in the context of global climate change and urbanization. A team of researchers from the University Sains Malaysia utilized the Patch-Generating Land-Use Simulation (PLUS) model and the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model to predict land-use patterns in Hohhot, China, and evaluated the dynamics of carbon stocks under various scenarios. The study found that from 2000 to 2020, Hohhot City experienced a net loss of 1.58 million tonnes of carbon storage, primarily due to the conversion of arable land and grassland into developed land.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers utilized the Patch-Generating Land-Use Simulation (PLUS) model and the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model to predict land-use patterns in Hohhot, China.
  • The study evaluated the dynamics of carbon stocks under various scenarios using historical land-use data and 15 influencing factors.
  • Hohhot City experienced a net loss of 1.58 million tonnes of carbon storage from 2000 to 2020, mainly due to the conversion of arable land and grassland into developed land.
  • By 2030, carbon storage is projected to reach 147.67 million tonnes in the natural-development scenario, 148.46 million tonnes in the ecological-protection scenario, and 147.33 million tonnes in the economic-growth scenario.
  • The highest carbon storage is expected under the ecological-protection scenario, highlighting the importance of environmental regulations in reducing carbon loss and promoting sustainable development.
  • The researchers presented a replicable methodology that integrates scenario-modeling with policy-oriented interventions, providing valuable insights for land-use planning and carbon management in rapidly urbanizing regions.
  • The study highlights the need for sustainable land-use practices and environmental regulations to mitigate the negative impacts of land-use change on carbon sequestration.

Statistics:

  • Hohhot City experienced a net loss of 1.58 million tonnes of carbon storage from 2000 to 2020.
  • Carbon storage is projected to reach 147.67 million tonnes in the natural-development scenario by 2030.
  • Carbon storage is projected to reach 148.46 million tonnes in the ecological-protection scenario by 2030.
  • Carbon storage is projected to reach 147.33 million tonnes in the economic-growth scenario by 2030.
  • The highest carbon storage is expected under the ecological-protection scenario.

Sources:

  • Zhang, J., Cao, P., Roosli, R. (2025). Assessing land use and carbon storage changes using PLUS and InVEST models: A multi-scenario simulation in Hohhot. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 26, 100655. doi: 10.1016/j.indic.2025.100655
  • University Sains Malaysia. (2025). Data on Environmental and Sustainability Indicators Discussed by Researchers at University Sains Malaysia (Assessing land use and carbon storage changes using PLUS and InVEST models: A multi-scenario simulation in Hohhot). Ecology, Environment & Conservation, 354.