Spatial Zoning of Carbon Dioxide Emissions at the Intra-City Level Based on Ring-Layer and Direction Model: A Case Study of Shenzhen, China

Lin Ye, Yuan Yuan, Yu Chen () and Hongbo Li
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Lin Ye: School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
Yuan Yuan: School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Yu Chen: School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
Hongbo Li: School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-32

Abstract: As the urbanization and industrialization processes in developing countries continue to advance, environmental issues caused by carbon dioxide emissions (CDEs) have become a significant research topic in the field of sustainable development. However, existing research has primarily focused on macro and meso scales such as global, national, and urban levels, and due to limitations in data precision, in-depth exploration of spatial heterogeneity within cities remains insufficient. To address this, this study utilizes China high-resolution emission gridded data (CHRED) to establish a theoretical analytical framework for spatial zoning of urban carbon emissions. The main innovations of this study are as follows: first, a stepwise analysis method matching carbon emissions with spatial patterns was designed based on CHRED data; second, by establishing a “ring-layer and direction” model, the study systematically revealed the spatial differentiation characteristics of carbon emissions within cities. Empirical research using Shenzhen as a case study shows that the city’s CDE intensity (CDEI) is generally at a medium-to-low level, but exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity, with Nanshan District and Kuiyong District forming two major high-emission core areas. Further analysis reveals that during the processes of urbanization and industrialization, population density, nighttime light intensity index, and the proportion of construction land are the key drivers influencing the spatial pattern of carbon emissions. This study provides scientific basis and decision-making references for optimizing urban spatial layout to achieve the “dual carbon” goals.

Keywords: urbanization; carbon neutrality; CHRED; spatial scale transformation; ring-layer and direction; dual carbon; urban spatial planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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