Feasible carbon-trade model for low-carbon density ecosystem

China has set a carbon-neutrality target for 2060; carbon sinks are vital tools to meet this target. China is leading the effort in greening the world through the restoration of low-carbon density ecosystems (LCDEs). The potential carbon sinks of LCDEs provide opportunities for carbon trading projects that make cash benefits accessible to the owners, thereby incentivizing ecosystem restoration. Unfortunately, carbon trading in LCDEs has, to date, been unsuccessful in China. Therefore, it is important to identify the barriers in the development of carbon trading projects in LCDEs.

This study aimed at creating a feasible model for carbon trading in LCDEs in China. We first accounted for the carbon sink of LCDEs based on field sampling of 169 quadrants and 3,471 plants. Thereafter, we investigated the trade-off between the cost and efficiency of carbon projects in LCDEs. Finally, we explored the feasibility of the corresponding carbon sink potential by considering carbon price fluctuati...