The potential of China’s ecosystems in meeting the carbon neutrality goal: evidence from the forest sector

ABSTRACT Forest carbon sequestration has great potential for climate change mitigation. We show the cost-effectiveness of using forests as Nature-based Solutions pathways that offset carbon dioxide (CO2). Afforestation and reforestation expand forest cover, sustainable forest management increases forest productivity, and substituting carbon-intensive materials with wood products avoids the CO2 emitted in the production processes of these materials. In terms of these activities, we estimate that China’s total forest carbon sequestration potential will reach 2.4 billion tons of CO2 in 2050. Scenario analysis shows that the carbon sequestered by the forests in 2050 helps China meet its goal of carbon neutrality or net zero emissions.