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Urban metabolism of megacities: A comparative analysis of Shanghai, Tokyo, London and Paris to inform low carbon and sustainable development pathways

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  • Han, Wenyi
  • Geng, Yong
  • Lu, Yangsiyu
  • Wilson, Jeffrey
  • Sun, Lu
  • Satoshi, Onishi
  • Geldron, Alain
  • Qian, Yiying

Abstract

Megacities consume a large amount of energy and materials, leading to various environmental impacts. In this paper, multi-scale integrated analysis of societal and ecosystem metabolism (MuSIASEM) is applied to compare and analyze the metabolic characteristics of four global megacities. This paper extends the analytical framework of MuSIASEM to the N-3 level (detailed industries) providing a higher level of details than current applications. Based on model results, among the four global megacities, Shanghai's labor productivity and energy efficiency are lowest given its large manufacturing sector and complex industrial structure. Tokyo's labor productivity is the highest with a productive tertiary sector. London has the lowest exosomatic energy metabolic rate and a mature tertiary sector. Paris has the best social welfare system. Such results highlight key factors affecting the metabolic pathways of the respective cities and provide city planners and policy-makers critical information to support green growth and low carbon development.

Suggested Citation

  • Han, Wenyi & Geng, Yong & Lu, Yangsiyu & Wilson, Jeffrey & Sun, Lu & Satoshi, Onishi & Geldron, Alain & Qian, Yiying, 2018. "Urban metabolism of megacities: A comparative analysis of Shanghai, Tokyo, London and Paris to inform low carbon and sustainable development pathways," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 887-898.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:155:y:2018:i:c:p:887-898
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.05.073
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    4. Kovacic, Zora & Musango, Josephine Kaviti & Ambole, Lorraine Amollo & Buyana, Kareem & Smit, Suzanne & Anditi, Christer & Mwau, Baraka & Ogot, Madara & Lwasa, Shuaib & Brent, Alan C. & Nsangi, Gloria , 2019. "Interrogating differences: A comparative analysis of Africa’s informal settlements," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 614-627.
    5. Han, Yuan & Zhang, Houcheng, 2022. "Potentiality of elastocaloric cooling system for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell waste heat harvesting," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 1166-1179.
    6. Kaiping Wang & Weiqi Wang & Niyi Zha & Yue Feng & Chenlan Qiu & Yunlu Zhang & Jia Ma & Rui Zhang, 2022. "Spatially Heterogeneity Response of Critical Ecosystem Service Capacity to Address Regional Development Risks to Rapid Urbanization: The Case of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomeration in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-21, June.
    7. Thomas Elliot & Javier Babí Almenar & Samuel Niza & Vânia Proença & Benedetto Rugani, 2019. "Pathways to Modelling Ecosystem Services within an Urban Metabolism Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-22, May.
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