<p>With China's commitment to carbon neutrality and the ongoing exploration of mechanisms to realize the value of ecological products, it is crucial to leverage the dual role of carbon sink ecological compensation in promoting positive externality carbon sink supply while constraining negative externality carbon emissions. This study applies the ecological footprint method to convert energy-related carbon emissions into carbon sink usage, and then values the associated gas regulation ecosystem service to construct a social accounting matrix, and further couples the computable general equilibrium model with the industrial structure index method to dynamically analyzes the impacts of the ecological compensation of carbon sinks. The results indicate that such compensation can transform ecological capital into economic growth drivers, enhance carbon productivity, and intensify carbon sink ecological space. While the rationalization of capital allocation improves, the unit output declines, with capital-intensive industries experiencing reduced investment and employment. Conversely, labor factors exhibit lower allocation efficiency but higher unit output, thereby benefiting labor-intensive industries. Technology-intensive sectors demonstrate improved input–output efficiency during expansion, although structural upgrading in scale has not yet been achieved. Nevertheless, their responsive innovation capacity under carbon sink compensation policies suggests potential for long-term industrial advancement. Based on these findings, we recommend further efforts to quantify carbon sink usage and value it from the demand side, while strengthening compensation mechanisms to stimulate the supply of ecological products. Additionally, better coordination of policy frameworks and benefit distribution mechanisms is essential to support the path toward carbon neutrality.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>