Carbon sequestration capacity of terrestrial vegetation in China based on satellite data

Abstract

ABSTRACT Achieving carbon neutrality depends on carbon emission reduction and sequestration. However, research on vegetative carbon sequestration in China remains preliminary. In this study, we calculated the total carbon sequestration of terrestrial vegetation and that of different vegetation types in China from 2001–2019 using satellite data. Total vegetative carbon sequestration slowly increased but its increase was significantly lower than that of carbon emissions over the same period. Provinces with the strongest carbon sequestration capacity were mainly distributed in the south, whereas those with the lowest capacity were mainly in the west of Heihe-Tengchong Line. Woody grassland achieved the largest amount of carbon sequestration and grassland experienced the fastest growth. As sequestration ability varies by vegetation type and region, we suggest adopting a holistic regional approach that optimizes local vegetation growth environments, improves ecological compensation protection mechanisms (especially in urban areas) and develops other carbon sequestration pathways.