Journal of Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers ISSN:1738-3692(Print) 2093-7709(Online) 한국농공학회논문집

Local governments play a critical role in achieving carbon neutrality and reducing national carbon emissions. To manage carbon emissions effectively, it is essential for local governments to analyze regional carbon emissions. In this study, we developed a model for estimating carbon emissions based on land use and analyzed regional characteristics of carbon emissions to suggest policies for achieving carbon neutrality at the regional level. Our model for calculating carbon emissions is based on an analysis of the activities that contribute to carbon emissions for each land use, and we established the spatial scope of carbon emission calculation. We applied this model to the cities and counties in Gyeongsangnam province, calculating carbon emissions from settlement and agricultural production activities and comparing regional characteristics of carbon emissions. Our analysis showed that areas with larger populations generally produced higher emissions in all categories, but we observed different results in terms of unit emissions, emissions divided by area, population, and household. Based on these findings, we propose policies such as increasing the generation of new and renewable energy using public institutions, promoting the conversion to cleaner cooking and heating energy sources, and encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly automobiles on roads. We believe that our analysis of the spatial and regional characteristics of carbon emissions can help local governments establish effective policies for reducing carbon emissions in their regions.