Assessing the impact of urbanization and economic growth on terrestrial carbon storage based on remote sensing: evidence from the yangtze river economic belt

The impact of urbanization and economic growth on terrestrial carbon storage is a complex and multidimensional issue involving land use change, carbon cycle, ecosystem services, etc. Remote sensing technology plays an important role in this study because it can provide a large amount of spatial and temporal data to help monitor and evaluate these impacts. In this study, we used Geo AI to optimize the predictive capabilities of the InVEST model, improve the efficiency and accuracy of data processing, and provide more accurate data support for the InVEST model. The study found that: (1) the overall carbon sequestration across the YREB decreased, with a reduction of 0.35%, 0.85%, and 2.28% in the upper, middle and lower reaches respectively. Notably, the upper region witnessed an expanding trend of carbon sequestration loss, while the lower region has shown some degree of alleviation. (2) The coupling degree between urbanization and carbon sequestration in Shanghai is significantly lower compared to other regions. Additionally, regions with an increasing coupling degree between carbon sequestration and population have a population urbanization rate generally below 60%. Similarly, regions with relatively lower land coupling degree have a land urbanization rate below 11%. Furthermore, regions with lower industrial coupling degree have an industrial urbanization rate exceeding 92%. (3) Carbon sequestration and economic growth exhibit a decoupling trend, with the lower region having a lower decoupling degree compared to the middle and upper regions. However, the decoupling status in the middle and upper regions tends to deteriorate, while the lower region shows signs of improvement.