Spatial inequalities in local carbon balance across South Korea

Local-scale carbon information is essential for developing effective and equitable climate change mitigation policies. Using district-level data on carbon emissions from buildings and on-road transport and carbon sinks from forested areas in South Korea, this study examines spatial patterns of carbon imbalance for 2022. A bivariate cartogram combined with a ranked distribution of net carbon balance is used to distinguish between underlying emission–sink configurations and their aggregate outcomes. The results show that similar net carbon balances can arise from structurally different combinations of emissions and sinks. In addition, net-emitting districts predominate and are concentrated in districts with relatively high carbon imbalances. Net carbon sinks remain limited in both number and magnitude. These findings highlight pronounced spatial inequalities and underscore the importance of integrating emission reduction with the preservation and enhancement of carbon sinks to achieve carbon neutrality.