Measurement and Spatial Econometric Analysis of Forest Carbon Sequestration Efficiency in Zhejiang Province, China

Abstract

Maximizing the carbon sequestration of forested land is important for achieving carbon neutrality. Although some studies have discussed forest carbon sequestration efficiency (FCSE) from the perspective of total factor production, it is being increasingly recognized that forestland use regulates sequestration and emissions. When viewing forestland use as input and carbon emissions as output, there is a lack of empirical evidence on FCSE and its influencing factors. Here, a superefficiency slacks-based measurement model was applied to estimate FCSE for 66 counties in Zhejiang Province, China. The influencing factors and spatial spillover effects of FCSE were also analyzed using a spatial autocorrelation model. The findings showed that over the sample observation period, county FCSE ranged from 0.199 to 1.258, with considerable gaps. The global Moran’s I index showed that county-level FCSE was markedly spatially autocorrelated. Spatially, forestland use, cutting, pests, and diseases had negative spatial spillover effects on FCSE, whereas average annual temperature and precipitation displayed positive spillover effects. These findings suggest that the overall coordination of forest resource supervision and management among counties should be strengthened. The implementation of forestry management models aimed at consolidating or increasing forest carbon sequestration should be emphasized to improve forest quality, thereby promoting FCSE enhancement.