Do Forest Fires and Land Degradation Undermine Environmental Sustainability? Evidence From China

ABSTRACT

Forest fires (FFs), land degradation (LD), and ineffective land use reduce carbon sinks, disrupt ecosystems, and increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, creating challenges for environmental sustainability (ES). Addressing these challenges through targeted green investments (GIs) and effective land reforms (LRs) aligns with sustainable development goals (SDGs), specifically Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on Land (SDG 15), by endorsing resilient landscapes and emission reduction strategies crucial for a sustainable future. This study examines the interactions between LD, LRs, FFs, and ES in China using a quarterly dataset spanning from 2000Q1 to 2023Q4. Wavelet coherence and ordinary least square (OLS) analysis were employed to analyze the comovements and dynamic relationships between ES and the independent variables such as LD, LRs, number of FFs, GI, economic losses (ELs) associated with fires, and expenditures on research and development (R&D). The results show that increased fire events and associated ELs significantly contribute to environmental degradation, with a 1% rise in fires and ELs increasing emissions by 6.64% and 1.09%, respectively. These findings suggest that FF prevention, EL reduction, and land restoration are important for improving ES. The results also highlight the need to strengthen GI and R&D to support emission reduction and sustainable land management. Therefore, integrated policies focusing on forest management, land‐use improvement, and climate‐oriented investment can contribute to ES in China.