The Impact of Green Infrastructure on Urban Carbon Emission Performance — A Case Study of Kunming

Abstract

Against the backdrop of global carbon neutrality goals and urban low-carbon transformation, the coupling of green infrastructure and carbon emission performance has become a core issue. This paper aims to systematically analyze and discuss the low-carbon city construction research influencing green infrastructure (GI) and urban carbon emission performance, taking Kunming as an example. Through research and analysis, GI, as a key low-carbon infrastructure, operates through a dual pathway of "carbon sequestration" and "emission reduction." Carbon sequestration can be achieved through plant photosynthesis, while emission reduction can reduce urban carbon intensity by regulating microclimate, guiding green transportation, and replacing grey infrastructure. Taking Kunming as an example, by implementing the concepts of "nature integration" and "nature governance," it was found that treating GI as "natural capital" is a powerful support for urban carbon neutrality and resilient development, and a key to achieving long-term low-carbon benefits. Kunming will continue to improve its low-carbon development model, promote the coordinated construction of carbon neutrality and resilient cities, and contribute to high-quality development in society, ecology, and economy.