[Objective] The temporal and spatial characteristics and effects of carbon emission changes in the Tacheng area of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 1980 to 2020 were analyzed in order to provide the basis for formulating regional carbon emission reduction measures and low carbon regulation policies.[Methods] The spatio-temporal changes of carbon sources, carbon sinks, and carbon emissions based on land use changes from 1980 to 2020 in Tacheng area was analyzed, and the carbon emission effects were evaluated using carbon footprint and ecological carbon carrying capacity.[Results] ① Net carbon emissions in the Tacheng area showed an obvious increase from 1980 to 2020, during which the continuous expansion of cultivated land and construction land area was the main factor leading to the increase in carbon emissions, and the continuous reduction of forest area was the main factor leading to the decrease in carbon absorption; ② In terms of spatial distribution, Shawan County and Wusu City were the main carbon sources, accounting for 67.02% of the total net carbon emissions in the Tacheng area. Hefeng County and Emin County accounted for 20.89% of the total net carbon emissions in the Tacheng area. Tuoli County was the carbon sink in the Tacheng area; ③ For the carbon emission effects, most areas in the Tacheng area showed ecological abundance before 2000, but ecological deficit appeared after 2000.[Conclusion] Shawan County, Wusu City and Hefeng County showed an obvious ecological deficit, and these will be the key control areas for carbon emission reduction in the Tacheng area in the future.