Spatial Optimization of Land Use: A Perspective on Carbon Emission and Energy Landscape Planning

Dear Colleagues,

As global challenges such as climate change and energy transitions intensify, the future trajectory remains uncertain. In this context, spatial optimization and land use planning have emerged as critical tools for advancing carbon neutrality. These approaches enable efficient land allocation, facilitate the integration of renewable energy infrastructure, and contribute to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, addressing pressing economic, environmental, and societal concerns.

Policymakers are confronted with the challenge of balancing land use practices with the costs associated with energy transitions. Achieving carbon-neutral urban and rural designs that prioritize energy efficiency, resilience, and carbon emission mitigation is essential. Moreover, the intricate interdependencies within the land–energy–climate nexus call for the application of interdisciplinary approaches and theories. By integrating climate resilience, adaptation strategies, and the development of resilient energy landscapes into land use planning, we can more effectively address the interconnected challenges of sustainability, energy, and environmental protection, advancing a holistic approach to managing these critical issues.

This field holds immense scientific and practical value, as spatial optimization for climate resilience and carbon neutrality requires advancements in geospatial technologies, environmental modeling, and policy analysis. Achieving low-carbon urban designs and resilient energy landscapes demands collaborative efforts across sectors, bringing together insights from governance, engineering, economics, and ecology.

We invite submissions from a variety of disciplines, particularly those exploring the intersection of land use simulation, climate change, and energy transitions. Submissions may include original research articles, review papers, case studies, and methodological papers on the following themes:

- Spatial optimization and land use planning for advancing carbon neutrality; 

- Land use strategies to enhance climate resilience; 

- Energy infrastructure development and land use optimization; 

- Sustainable land use practices considering the costs of energy transitions and environmental impacts;

- Integrating climate resilience and adaptation in land use systems; 

- Carbon-neutral urban and rural design; 

- The land–energy–climate nexus;

- Land use transition and carbon emissions.

Dr. Jing Huang
Dr. Wenjing Han
Dr. Chai Duo
Dr. Jing Lan
Dr. Shan Guo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• spatial optimization
• land use planning
• climate resilience
• carbon neutrality
• climate change mitigation
• environmental impacts
• energy transition
• resilient energy landscapes
• energy infrastructure planning