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

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  • Hui Zou

    (Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Xuejun Duan

    (Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
    Key Laboratory of Watershed Geographic Sciences, 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
    Key Laboratory of Watershed Geographic Sciences, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Hui Zou & Xuejun Duan & Lei Ye & Lei Wang, 2017. "Locating Sustainability Issues: Identification of Ecological Vulnerability in Mainland China’s Mega-Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:7:p:1179-:d:103732
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xiufen Li & Lining Song & Zunbo Xie & Tian Gao & Tingting Wang & Xiao Zheng & Jiang Liu & Limin Liu, 2021. "Assessment of Ecological Vulnerability on Northern Sand Prevention Belt of China Based on the Ecological Pressure–Sensibility–Resilience Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-15, May.

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