Locating Sustainability Issues: Identification of Ecological Vulnerability in Mainland China’s Mega-Regions

Hui Zou, Xuejun Duan, Lei Ye and Lei Wang
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Hui Zou: Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
Xuejun Duan: Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
Lei Ye: School of Geographical Science, Nantong University, Nantong 226007, China
Lei Wang: Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China

Sustainability, 2017, vol. 9, issue 7, 1-18

Abstract: This paper presents a spatial analysis of likely/potential hotspots of sustainability issues in Mainland China through an empirical investigation of patterns of ecological vulnerability in and of China’s megaregions. To be specific, this paper assesses the level of patterns of the ecological vulnerability of 16 megaregions through an indicator system, which includes soil erosion, desertification, ecosystem vulnerability, key ecological areas, and water and land resources. Empirical results reveal that while most megaregions are located in the less vulnerable areas, there are a couple of megaregions with a vulnerable basis of ecological environment. These megaregions consist of Chengdu-Chongqing, Guanzhong Tianshui Economic Zone, Shandong Peninsula, Wuhan City Circle, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, and Liaoning Coastal Belt. Furthermore, a typology of these megaregions is identified based on their development level and ecological vulnerability.

Keywords: mega-regions; ecological vulnerability; sustainable development; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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