Spatiotemporal Changes and Driving Analysis of Ecological Environmental Quality in the Qinghai Lake Basin

Taking Qinghai Lake Basin as the research object, the spatial and temporal variation characteristics of the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) in Qinghai Lake Basin from 1986 to 2022 were analyzed, and the spatial distribution and driving factors of the RSEI are discussed. Methods: Using remote sensing technology and a geographic detector, combined with time series RSEI data, the main natural factors and human activity factors affecting ecological quality were studied. Conclusion: (1) In the past 30 years, the RSEI in Qinghai Lake Basin showed a significant upward trend, and the ecological quality continued to improve. The low RSEI region decreased, while the high RSEI region increased and was distributed more evenly. (2) Spatially, the RSEI changes significantly in the central and southeastern regions but little in the northern and western regions. (3) Height difference is the main factor affecting the RSEI, which affects the stability of the climate, vegetation, and ecosystem. (4) From 2000 to 2020, the impact of terrain and climate on the RSEI is significant, the impact of human activities on ecological quality is enhanced, and the impact of land use change on the RSEI has a potential negative impact. The findings highlight the importance of ecological restoration policies in promoting long-term ecological sustainability and the need for further research on the socio-economic impacts of human activities and provide a new perspective on the relationship between ecological health and sustainable development, providing guidance for improving environmental governance in vulnerable regions and promoting sustainable development.