Determining the geographical model and environmental resilience patterns in Iranian provinces.

Abstract

Considering environmental resources as a context for sustainable development is of paramount importance. Iran has faced a variety of environmental problems over the past few decades due to population development, changing patterns of residence, and urban development. Resilience measures the adaptation to changes occurring after unwanted events. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate environmental resilience (natural and human factors) among the Iranian provinces. Then, the environmental resilience index was categorized through a data mining method, and the required measures for each pattern were presented according to the obtained patterns. Based on the results, Semnan Province had the highest environmental resilience, whereas Tehran, Alborz, Hormozgan, Isfahan, Khorasan Razavi, Khuzestan, and Sistan and Baluchestan had the lowest environmental resilience index (ERI). In addition, the results of data mining indicate that the provinces have five distinct patterns. CO2 emissions and drinking water access indicators have the highest and lowest importance in the formation of patterns, respectively. Furthermore, the environmental resilience of Tehran Province was influenced more by both indicators of energy use and CO2 emissions. Therefore, improvements in energy efficiency, developing public transportation, using standard fuels, and modernizing old industries should be considered as ways to increase productivity. The results of resilience patterns significantly help planners and managers develop policies and programs to increase environmental resilience.