Analyzing the Spatiotemporal Evolution Features of Habitat Quality and Carbon Storage in Guangzhou Based on the InVEST Model

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.114.25

Abstract:
Habitat quality and carbon storage are key indicators for assessing ecosystem health. Rapid urbanization has significantly altered urban land-use patterns, driving spatiotemporal changes in regional habitat quality and carbon storage. To investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of habitat quality and carbon storage in a megacity undergoing rapid urbanization, this study selects Guangzhou as a representative case study. Using 30 m resolution land-cover data for 2000, 2010, 2020, and 2025, together with ArcGIS spatial analysis techniques and the InVEST model, this study evaluates the spatiotemporal variations in habitat quality and carbon storage. It further summarizes their spatiotemporal evolution over the 25-year period and analyzes the underlying evolutionary patterns and driving mechanisms. The results indicate that: (1) Temporally, habitat quality exhibited a stepwise and continuous decline from 2000 to 2025, while carbon storage decreased steadily, with a cumulative reduction of 3.21%. The conversion of forestland and cropland into built-up land was the primary driver of carbon storage loss and habitat degradation. However, ecological conservation and management measures implemented after 2020 effectively slowed the rate of ecological degradation. (2) Spatially, habitat quality and carbon storage exhibited highly consistent distribution patterns, maintaining a long-term spatial gradient characterized by higher values in the northern mountainous areas and lower values in the southern urbanized areas. The mountainous regions of Conghua and Zengcheng served as core areas with high habitat quality and strong carbon sequestration capacity, whereas the central urban districts and southern plains exhibited relatively low values. In addition, habitat fragmentation in the peri-urban areas of central Guangzhou continued to intensify. (3) Land-cover conversion and residential expansion were the dominant drivers of regional ecological degradation. Implementing zoned ecological conservation and restoration strategies can effectively mitigate the loss of ecological space. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for territorial spatial ecological restoration planning and sustainable urban development in Guangzhou.

Keywords:
Habitat quality (HQ); Carbon storage; InVEST model; Land cover; Spatiotemporal evolution; Driving mechanism; Guangzhou.

Article Info:
Received: 27 Jun 2026; Received in revised form: 20 Jul 2026; Accepted: 24 Jul 2026; Available online: 02 Aug 2026

Cite this Article: