Abstract:
The introduction of the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals has injected new green momentum into the Rural Revitalization Strategy. Promoting carbon neutrality in the agricultural and rural areas is not only a necessary step for implementing this strategy but also a core component of its green and high-quality development. To explore integrated pathways for achieving both rural revitalization and carbon neutrality and to provide scientific evidence and policy recommendations for achieving carbon neutrality in rural areas of Guangdong, this paper calculates the greenhouse gas emissions in rural Guangdong from 2015 to 2022 based on the emission factor method and forecasts the emission trends from 2023 to 2035. The results indicate that the greenhouse gas emissions in rural Guangdong reached approximately 102 million tons of CO
2-eq in 2022. Notably, non-CO
2 greenhouse gases, primarily CH
4 and N
2O from agricultural activities, accounted for over 50% of the total emissions, highlighting the critical importance of addressing these sources. The study further models the potential emission reductions achievable through the implementation of targeted mitigation measures. The findings demonstrate that by optimizing the energy structure, improving energy efficiency, and strengthening non-CO
2 GHG emission reductions, GHG emissions in rural Guangdong could be reduced by approximately 80% by 2035 compared to the 2022 level. Furthermore, the high-value utilization of agricultural biomass resources could enhance rural resource value and promote rural industrial upgrading and economic development. This research underscores that the synergistic achievement of rural revitalization and carbon neutrality is feasible through a well-designed top-level integration mechanism. Key implementation pathways include: establishing a cohesive policy framework that aligns climate goals with rural development; accelerating rural electrification and enhancing energy efficiency; promoting the multi-scenario application of rural photovoltaic systems; advancing the high-value utilization of forestry and agricultural biomass resources; and implementing precise technologies and management practices to control CH
4 and N
2O emissions from agriculture. This integrated approach offers a useful reference for coordinating climate action and rural development, with practical significance for policymakers and stakeholders in Guangdong and other regions pursuing low-carbon transitions.