DECODING THE INTERCONNECTED DYNAMICS: LAND USE, CARBON EMISSIONS, AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICE VALUE IN CHINESE COUNTIES

Abstract

Ecosystem services, the fundamental conditions and functions provided by ecosystems, are indispensable for human survival and well-being. This paper explores the nexus between ecosystem functions, carbon emissions, and land use, with a particular focus on China, the world's largest developing country. Ecosystem functions encompass supporting services, regulating services, and cultural services, all essential for sustaining human life. The study addresses the alarming disparity in China's carbon emissions per unit of product compared to develop and other developing nations, attributing it to constraints inherent in its economic growth model, energy structure, and technology, equipment, and management practices. A pivotal factor contributing to the surge in carbon emissions is identified in land use patterns. China's extensive mode of economic growth has profound implications, altering the structure and function of land ecosystems. This, in turn, significantly impacts the health of land ecosystems, playing a decisive role in shaping the service function of ecosystems at large. Recognizing the intricate interplay between land use, carbon emissions, and ecosystem health becomes imperative for devising effective strategies to mitigate the environmental impact. The findings of this study contribute to a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between ecosystem services, carbon emissions, and land use, with China as a focal point. By unraveling these interdependencies, stakeholders gain insights that can inform policies and practices for sustainable development and environmental conservation. This research underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by carbon emissions and land use dynamics to ensure the resilience and longevity of vital.