[Objective] The response and vulnerability of carbon storage to land-use change in the Dawen River basin were analyzed in order to provide a reference for promoting the green and sustainable development of the basin and the land-use optimization management and control. [Methods] Based on land use data, the InVEST model was used to study the impact of land-use change on carbon storage evolution in the Dawen River basin from 2000 to 2020, and the potential impact index (PI) was used to assess the vulnerability of ecosystem carbon storage. [Results] ① During 2000—2020, the land-use structure of the study area changed significantly, with a sharp decline in cultivated land (316.44 km²) and a sharp increase in construction land (523.98 km²). The conversion of cultivated land into construction land was the primary type of land transfer. ② During 2000—2020, the carbon storage decreased by 1.09×10⁷ t, and the transfer of cultivated land to construction land was the leading factor in the decrease. The spatial distribution characteristics of basin carbon storage were “overall higher in the north and lower in the south, and significantly higher or significantly lower in local areas.” ③ During 2000—2020, the land use degree index increased by 8.12. The PI for the first and last 10 years was -1.33 and -1.42, respectively, indicating that the vulnerability of carbon storage services increased. [Conclusion] The reduction in cultivated land, grassland and forest land, and the expansion of construction land in the Dawen River basin have significant effects on carbon storage and its vulnerability. In future, carbon storage should be considered as an important reference factor in land-use planning to achieve an optimal balance of carbon storage functions.