Analysis of the Income Enhancement Potential of the Terrestrial Carbon Sink in China Based on Remotely Sensed Data

Abstract

A key focus of international climate action is achieving a terrestrial carbon sink within the framework of carbon neutrality. For certain regions with vital ecological functions and high poverty rates, the generation of surplus ecological carbon income is crucial for mitigating global inequality. While the evaluation of the economic benefits of carbon income still faces limitations in terms of inadequacy and inaccuracy, enhancing green carbon poverty alleviation schemes is urgently needed. This project introduces an analysis framework for assessing the land-based ecological carbon sink and poverty alleviation potential based on a per capita ideal carbon sink income evaluation, which compares the regional economic benefits of a carbon sink under different carbon price benchmarks and explores tailored green poverty alleviation strategies. It indicates that the per capita ideal carbon sink income in China exhibits a seasonal variation, ranging from approximately USD 16.50 to USD 261.41 per person per month on average. Its spatial distribution shows a pattern of lower values in the central region and higher values in the north and south, following a “high differentiation, low clustering” distribution pattern. The per capita carbon sink income can reach 30% to 70% of the per capita GDP, with a peak value of USD 19,138.10 per year, meeting the minimum livelihood guarantee for the needs in economically underdeveloped areas. Simultaneously, the per capita carbon sequestration income within the Chinese carbon market is expected to demonstrate a yearly ascending trajectory, with an approximate growth rate of USD 23.6 per individual annually. The southwest, northeast, and north China regions can be prioritized as key areas for carbon market development, facilitating more comprehensive inter-regional and sustainable carbon trading. This study plays a significant role in disclosing the regional ecological function and economic benefits, promoting the use of “carbon neutrality” as a driving force to alleviate global inequality and contributing to global climate action and poverty eradication strategies.