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Initial Evaluation of Provincial-Level Environmental Risks from the Perspective of Human Settlements

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  • Shenzhen Tian

    (School of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China
    Centre for Marine Economy and Sustainable Development Research, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China)

  • Xueming Li

    (School of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China
    Centre for Marine Economy and Sustainable Development Research, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China)

  • Hang Li

    (School of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China)

  • Yingjia Zhang

    (School of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China)

  • Tongliga Bao

    (School of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China)

Abstract

This study introduces risk theory of environmental science into human settlement science using 2004–2013 statistics, remote sensing data, and thematic maps. The entropy weight method and risk-index model are both used to study the characteristics of the time course and spatial pattern of human settlement risk in 31 provincial regions in China. In addition, influential mechanisms of vulnerability, functionality, stress, and adaptability on environmental risks are analyzed. Three primary results are obtained. First, for temporal characteristics, environmental risks of human settlements increased significantly from 2003 to 2012. The year 2006 marked both a sudden change and the cut-off point after which human settlements in China experienced qualitative changes and new risks. Second, for spatial characteristics, the risk index of human settlements decreased gradually from the southwestern to the northeastern, northwestern, and northern parts of China. The risk index of human settlement spaces differed significantly, with obvious block aggregation of spatial-distribution characteristics. Third, for relevant factor characteristics, between 2003 and 2012, the temporal change in vulnerability is relatively stable, with a slight increase in functionality and a slight decrease in adaptability. Spatially, Qinghai, Tibet, southwestern China, Guangdong, Guangxi, Beijing, and Tianjin had relatively high vulnerability in human settlements; Beijing, Tianjin, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang had the best functionality; Hunan and Sichuan had relatively high stress; and Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang had relatively stronger adaptability. Further consideration and discussion are required on the environmental risks for different social groups and at different geographical scales, as well as on the uncertainty and long-term features of environmental risks in addition to environmental justice issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Shenzhen Tian & Xueming Li & Hang Li & Yingjia Zhang & Tongliga Bao, 2016. "Initial Evaluation of Provincial-Level Environmental Risks from the Perspective of Human Settlements," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(12), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:12:p:1259-:d:84326
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shenzhen Tian & Xueming Li & Jun Yang & Chunhua Zhang & Yun Zhang, 2014. "Initial Study on Triaxiality of Human Settlements—In the Case of 10 Districts (Counties) of Dalian," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(10), pages 1-16, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wenbo Yu & Jun Yang & Feng Wu & Baojie He & Bing Xue & Shaohua Wang & Huisheng Yu & Xiangming Xiao & Jianhong (Cecilia) Xia, 2023. "Realistic characteristics and driving mechanisms of pseudo-human settlements in Chinese cities," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Yanpeng Ding & Bin Shi & Guijin Su & Qianqian Li & Jing Meng & Yongjian Jiang & Yi Qin & Lingwen Dai & Shuai Song, 2021. "Assessing Suitability of Human Settlements in High-Altitude Area Using a Comprehensive Index Method: A Case Study of Tibet, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-21, February.

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