The Dynamic Evolution of the Ecological Footprint and Ecological Capacity of Qinghai Province

Jing Guo, Jun Ren, Xiaotao Huang, Guifang He, Yan Shi and Huakun Zhou
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Jing Guo: Key Laboratory of Restoration Ecology for Cold Regions in Qinghai, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science; Xining 810008, China
Jun Ren: Graduate School of Qinghai University, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
Xiaotao Huang: Key Laboratory of Restoration Ecology for Cold Regions in Qinghai, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science; Xining 810008, China
Guifang He: College of Ecological and Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
Yan Shi: Planning Department, Xining Urban Planning Research Center, Xining 810001, China
Huakun Zhou: Key Laboratory of Restoration Ecology for Cold Regions in Qinghai, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science; Xining 810008, China

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 7, 1-26

Abstract: Based on the ecological footprint (EF) model, the dynamic changes in the per capita EF and per capita ecological carrying capacity (EC) in Qinghai Province from 2007 to 2017 were quantitatively analysed. The grey GM(1,1) prediction model was used to predict the per capita EF, per capita EC, and EF of ten thousand yuan of GDP. Additionally, the spatial change characteristics of the sustainable development status of the study area in four time periods were analysed using GIS technology. The results showed the following. (1) In the 11-year study period, Qinghai Province’s EF per capita grew gradually, increasing from 2.3027 hm 2 in 2007 to 2.9837 hm 2 in 2017. (2) The EC per capita in Qinghai Province remained a slight linear upward trend. (3) The environmental sustainability in Qinghai Province deteriorated over time. (4) According to the spatial characteristics, the overall sustainable development state changed markedly in the eastern region but was stable in the central and western regions. This paper proposes some countermeasures and suggestions to help Qinghai Province work towards sustainable development, such as controlling the population, adjusting the industrial structure, developing a low-carbon circular economy, and implementing ecological engineering.

Keywords: ecological footprint; ecological carrying capacity; sustainable development; Qinghai Province (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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