Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Land Use and Carbon Stock Under Multiple Scenarios Based on the PLUS-InVEST Model: A Case Study of Chengdu

Abstract

Under the context of global climate change and China’s dual carbon strategy (DCS), the impact of land use/land cover change (LULCC) on regional carbon stocks has garnered increasing attention. As a key economic and ecological hub in Southwest China, Chengdu has undergone significant urbanization over the past two decades, and it is necessary to quantitatively assess how shifts in land use affect its carbon stock function. This study integrates multi-period remote sensing data from 2000 to 2020, combining socioeconomic and natural environmental drivers. The PLUS model was employed to simulate land use in 2030 under four scenarios: Natural Development Scenario (NDS), Urban Development Scenario (UDS), Conservation of Cropland Scenario (CPS), and Ecological Protection Scenario (EPS). The InVEST model was then used to calculate changes in carbon stocks and their spatial distribution characteristics. The results indicate the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, Chengdu’s cropland decreased by 1188.6174 km2, while built-up land increased by 1006.5465 km2, resulting in a net carbon stock decrease of approximately 3.25 × 106 t, with carbon gains from forest restoration offsetting part of the cropland-to-built-up loss; (2) Under all scenarios, built-up land exhibited an expansion trend, with the UDS showing the most significant increase, reaching 1919.2455 km2. In the EPS, the forest increased to 4035.258 km2, achieving the largest carbon stock increase of 8.5853 × 106 t. (3) Chengdu’s carbon stock exhibits a spatial distribution pattern characterized by “high in the northwest, low in the center”. High-value areas are concentrated in the ecologically sound Longmen Mountains and Longquan Mountains, while low-value areas are primarily located in urban built-up zones and their peripheries. The study indicates that rationally controlling the expansion of Built-up land, strengthening ecological restoration, and protecting forests can effectively enhance Chengdu’s carbon sink capacity and achieve regional low-carbon and sustainable development. This study aims to address the gap in carbon stock assessments under different development scenarios at the urban scale in Southwest China, and to provide a scientific basis for Chengdu’s regional spatial planning, ecological conservation, low-carbon development, and sustainable land management.