Impact of Urbanization on Ecosystem Health: A Case Study in Zhuhai, China

Nan Cui, Chen-Chieh Feng, Rui Han and Luo Guo
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Nan Cui: School of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
Chen-Chieh Feng: Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117570, Singapore
Rui Han: School of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
Luo Guo: School of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-17

Abstract: The past decades have witnessed rapid urbanization around the world. This is particularly evident in Zhuhai City, given its status as one of the earliest special economic zones in China. After experiencing rapid urbanization for decades, the level of ecosystem health (ESH) in Zhuhai City has become a focus of attention. Assessments of urban ESH and spatial correlations between urbanization and ESH not only reveal the states of urban ecosystems and the extent to which urbanization affected these ecosystems, but also provide new insights into sustainable eco-environmental planning and resource management. In this study, we assessed the ESH of Zhuhai City using a selected set of natural, social and economic indicators. The data used include Landsat Thematic Mapper images and socio-economic data of 1999, 2005, 2009 and 2013. The results showed that the overall ESH value and ecosystem service function have been on the decline while Zhuhai City has continued to become more urbanized. The total ESH health level trended downward and the area ratio of weak and relatively weak health level increased significantly, while the areas of well and relatively well healthy state decreased since 1999. The spatial correlation analysis shows a distinct negative correlation between urbanization and ESH. The degree of negative correlation shows an upward trend with the processes of urban sprawl. The analysis results reveal the impact of urbanization on urban ESH and provide useful information for planners and environment managers to take measures to improve the health conditions of urban ecosystems.

Keywords: ecosystem health; remote sensing images; urbanization; spatial correlation; comprehensive indicators (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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