Research on Ecological Compensation for Construction Land from a Carbon Emission Perspective

Abstract

Abstract Construction lands are the main sources of carbon emissions. In this study, data on the energy consumption, permanent population, and gross domestic product (GDP) of Shaanxi Province from 2010 to 2018 were collected. Using a carbon emission assessment model, the emissions from all the cities and the demonstration area in Shaanxi Province were evaluated. Ecological compensation standards for carbon emissions were determined. The analyses showed the following results: (1) From 2010 to 2018, the total and per capita carbon emissions from construction land showed an upward trend. Generally, the carbon emissions per unit GDP for all the cities and the demonstration area in Shaanxi Province showed a downward trend. (2) The total, per capita, and per unit GDP regional carbon emissions in Shaanxi Province varied significantly. In 2010 and 2018, Yulin and Yangling Demonstration Area showed the highest and lowest total carbon emissions, respectively. Yulin and Shangluo showed the highest and lowest per capita carbon emissions, respectively. In 2010, the highest and lowest carbon emissions per unit GDP were from Weinan and Xi’an, respectively, whereas in 2018, they were from Tongchuan and Xi’an, respectively. (3) The construction land area correlates with the carbon emissions from Shaanxi Province between 2010 and 2018, and the correlation coefficient is 0.9248. The fitted function can be used as a model for predicting carbon emissions and can provide a scientific basis for quantitative accounting of carbon emissions from construction land. (4) According to moderate estimates, the ecological compensation that should be provided by all the cities and the demonstration area in Shaanxi Province for 2018 is 1.29 to 1.44 times that for 2010. The growth periods were the shortest and longest for Yangling Demonstration Area and Tongchuan, respectively. These results can act as a reference to plan low-carbon, green, and sustainable economic development in Shaanxi Province.