Abstract
The emergy concept, integrated with a multi-objective linear programming method, was used to model the agricultural structure of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region under the consideration of the need to develop a low-carbon economy. The emergy indices before and after the structural optimization were evaluated. In the reconstructed model, the proportions of agriculture, forestry and artificial grassland should be adjusted from 19:2:1 to 5.2:1:2.5; the Emergy Yield Ratio (1.48) was higher than the average local (0.49) and national levels (0.27); and the Emergy Investment Ratio (11.1) was higher than the current structure (4.93) and that obtained from the 2003 data (0.055) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Water Emergy Cost (0.055) should be reduced compared to that before the adjustment (0.088). The measurement of all the parameters validated the positive impact of the modeled agricultural structure. The self-sufficiency ratio of the system increased from the original level of 0.106 to 0.432, which indicated a better coupling effect among the subsystems within the whole system. The comparative advantage index between the two systems before and after optimization was approximately 2:1. When the mountain ecosystem service value was considered, excessive animal husbandry led to a 1.41 × 1010 RMB·a−1 indirect economic loss, which was 4.15 times the GDP during the same time period. The functional improvement of the modeled structure supports the plan to “construct a central oasis and protect the surrounding mountains and deserts” to develop a sustainable agricultural system. Conserved natural grassland can make a large contribution to the carbon storage; and therefore, it is wise alternative that promote a low-carbon economic development strategy.
Highlights
Energy modeling research for analyzing alternative energy systems and future scenarios in anticipation of the LCS (Low Carbon Society) has grown considerably in the past two decades [1].Under the promotion of the Obama government, the U.S has developed renewable energy and reduced fossil fuels as a proportion of the national energy use to promote the development of a domestic low-carbon economy [2]
Manas county sits in the center of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and it is known as the “Western Gate” of Urumqi
The emergy method is suitable for evaluating the effects of agricultural structural adjustment, which is a very complex issue hindering regional sustainable development
Summary
Energy modeling research for analyzing alternative energy systems and future scenarios in anticipation of the LCS (Low Carbon Society) has grown considerably in the past two decades [1].Under the promotion of the Obama government, the U.S has developed renewable energy and reduced fossil fuels as a proportion of the national energy use to promote the development of a domestic low-carbon economy [2]. Ma and Li gave suggestions on how to promote sustainable food safety, such as the development of water-saving agriculture and the reduction of energy consumption in agriculture, which were set against the background of low carbon economy in Hennan of China [3]. Parthan et al summarized the low-carbon energy policy and development community about REEEP (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partership) and the lessons learned from its five year implementation [4]. The impacts of agricultural land use are far-reaching and affect areas outside of production. These impacts lead us to examine the interactions between socio-economic and environmental systems and land use problems. The Chinese government has been involved with structural agricultural adjustment for over 30 years and has implemented many policies promoting sustainable agricultural development
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