Analysis on the Measurement and Spatial Pattern Characteristics of Territorial Space Carbon Sink Conflicts in Hangzhou City, China

Release time:2026-07-08

DOI number:10.3390/land15071220

Journal:Land

Key Words:carbon sink; spatial conflict; territorial space; land use change; Hangzhou city

Abstract:Territorial space serves as a common platform for both ecosystem carbon sink functions and socioeconomic functions. Rapid urbanization has intensified the competition between carbon source and carbon sink areas, making the measurement of carbon sink conflicts critical for carbon emission reduction and land use optimization. This study takes Hang-zhou as its research area and uses districts and counties as the basic evaluation units. Drawing on three dimensions—spatial carbon emission pressure, spatial carbon seques-tration capacity, and spatial instability—the study develops a model to assess the intensity of territorial carbon sink conflicts. It systematically evaluates the conflict intensity across Hangzhou’s 13 districts and counties in 2020 and analyzes land use change from 2010 to 2020. The results indicate that (1) from 2010 to 2020, Hangzhou’s built-up areas expanded to some extent, leading to intensified spatial conflicts between carbon sources and carbon sinks; and (2) in 2020, light and general conflict areas were mainly distributed in outlying counties (e.g., Lin’an, Chun’an); moderate conflict areas were in the urban periphery (e.g., Fuyang, Binjiang); and intense to severe conflict areas were in central urban districts (e.g., Shangcheng, Gongshu, Xiaoshan). Overall, carbon sink conflicts exhibited a concentric pattern of “uncontrolled core—periphery on the verge—distant suburbs under control.” This study provides a scientific basis for mitigating future carbon sink conflicts in Hang-zhou and offers a perspective for identifying and managing such conflicts in other rapidly urbanizing regions.

Indexed by:Journal paper

Translation or Not:no

Date of Publication:2026-07-07

Included Journals:SCI