[Objective] The objective of the study is to explain the changes of carbon footprint and carbon capacity and evaluate the carbon security and provide the theoretical basis for the development of low carbon economy in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Methods] Based on the theory of carbon footprint

we calculated the carbon footprint

carbon capacity and net carbon footprint from 2000 to 2014 in Xinjiang Region

and selected carbon ecological pressure index to develop a model for regional ecological security evaluation. [Results] The carbon footprint of Xinjiang Region increased from 1.08×108 t to 5.04×108 t during the period from 2000 to 2014

and the use of fossil fuel contributed 96% of total carbon foot-print. The carbon capacity increased too

and the carbon quantity of grass was the largest

followed by forest

cultivated land

garden land and urban green space. The net carbon footprint and carbon ecological pressure index increased. Since 2009

it had been in a state of “terribly insecurity”

and the carbon security was decreasing. [Conclusion] The increased consumption of fossil energy is the main cause of the growth of its carbon footprint and the decline of its carbon security. Although the efficiency of energy continued to improve in Xinjiang Region

it is still facing serious eco-environment problems in the future.