[Objective] Under the goal of carbon neutrality, we explore the spatial and temporal evolution of the function of productional-living-ecological (P-L-E) in Hunan Province and its distribution pattern of carbon emissions in the future in order to provide strategy-making references for carbon emission reduction in all provinces of the country. [Methods] Based on the P-L-E function evaluation prediction and productional-living-ecological carbon emission distribution measurement models, combined with various data on the regional P-L-E function and the spatial-temporal differentiation law, this study explored the spatial-temporal relationship between the function of P-L-E and the carbon emissions in Hunan Province and the planning strategy of the distribution pattern of carbon emissions in the future. [Results] ① From 2000 to 2020, the spatial and temporal differentiation of P-L-E in counties of Hunan Province was obvious, and the spatial pattern of the ecological function was strong and weak in the west and east, respectively which showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing, while the production and life functions overall did not change much from 2000 to 2020. ② The county-level carbon emissions in Hunan Province as a whole were not far apart but were concentrated in some areas, and the gap was widening. ③ The spatial-temporal correlation between the P-E-L function and carbon emissions was strong, and the influence degree of different spatial types was different. ④ Considering the general layout of land and space of Hunan Province in 2035, the coefficient of ‘P-E-L’ carbon emissions distribution could be optimised to six combination types in 2035. [Conclusion] Natural endowment and economic development exert a considerable influence on the distribution pattern of ‘P-E-L’ carbon emissions conefficient in counties of Hunan Province. Moreover, regional synergy should be strengthened on the basis of the strategy of main functional zones and refinement control of the county-level P-E-L to achieve the target of carbon neutrality ahead of time.