Understanding the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Urban Landscapes: A State-wide Assessment in Illinois

Yijun Zeng, Jiajia Wang, Siqi Lai, Brian Deal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Understanding sequestration potential can help support local climate actions toward carbon neutrality. Locally scaled analysis, however, does not contribute fully to an understanding of sequestration resources at broader political scales. For these types of conversations, we need detailed inventories of sequestration assets at larger, regional and state-level scales. This study evaluates the spatial implications of the carbon sequestration potential in urban landscapes at a state-wide scale. We use Illinois as a test case for examining the use of net primary productivity (NPP) and landcover classification to determine urban sequestration potential. Our results show that Illinois urban areas produce carbon sequestration assets that contribute approximately 8.52% of state totals. An analysis of the spatial structure of these assets in terms of urban land use intensity and socioeconomic status underscores the complex interplay between urban form, vegetative productivity, and sequestration. We find that in Illinois, a highly agricultural state, open space and low-intensity areas are primary carbon sink contributors, although medium-intensity urban areas can exhibit higher than expected values. In terms of socioeconomics, housing vacancy rates shows an unexpected positive effect for carbon capture, while housing cost burden appears to be the most significant predictor among financial variables (showing a negative association). This study highlights the significant role of urban vegetation on carbon sequestration and provides insights in integrating socio-economic factors and land use planning for informed and effective climate action strategies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)193-201
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Digital Landscape Architecture
Volume2024
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Carbon sequestration
  • land use intensity
  • net primary productivity
  • urban landscape productivity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Architecture
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation

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