Impacts of Urban Land Use Changes on Ecosystem Services in Dianchi Lake Basin, China

Yang Bai,Ruibo Wang,Juha M. Alatalo,Wei Yang,Zhangqian Yang,Zongbao Yang,Xiaojun Xu

doi:10.3390/su13094813

Abstract

Land use change is widely regarded as a key factor altering the structure and function of ecosystems. Urbanization is a particular driver and influence in land use change and is expanding globally, especially in developing countries like China. The InVEST model was employed in this study to comprehensively assess the temporal-spatial impacts of urban land use changes (ULUC) on ecosystem services (ESs) and clarify the tradeoffs between urbanization and ecosystem services provision (ESP) in Dianchi Lake Basin (DLB), China, during 1995–2015. The results showed that DLB’s constructed land, particularly in lakeside areas, has increased substantially because of rapid urbanization (built-up area increase 51%, urbanization rate increase 91%), at the expense of agriculture, grassland, and scrubland, greatly altering ESP. Compared with 1995, carbon storage in 2015 decreased, while soil retention and nitrogen exports only fluctuated slightly. Although water yield increased, the ecological water volume of the whole DLB decreased through an increase in regional surface runoff. This resulted in more pollutants being carried into Dianchi Lake, impairing water quality and causing serious ecological and environmental issues. Thus, this study provides empirical evidence of the significant influence of ULUC on ESP. For eco-friendly urbanization in DLB and similar areas with rapid urbanization, a sustainable pattern of urbanization should be followed. The best tradeoffs between urbanization and ESP should be identified and considered in decision-making relating to urban planning, land use management, optimal natural resources management, and ecological conservation.

Highlights

Constructed land, grassland, and agriculture were the three major land use changes land, grassland, andS6 agriculture were in theConstructed whole Dianchi Lake Basin (DLB) from to 2015
CoHowever, previous researchurbanization has concentrated on assessing in ESsbecoming in term ofa ordinating and balancing withmainly ecosystem health ischanges increasingly biophysical parameters and monetization, based on historical land use change pressing global strategic issue for academics and for decision-makers in government or future land use scenarios
The combined approach was used to conduct a series of comprehensive evaluations of the impact of urban land use changes (ULUC)

Summary

Introduction

Ecosystems maintain normal operation of the Earth’s ecosphere, through system features, functions, and direct or indirect supply of services and products. They thereby provide most of material basis for the survival, development, and well-being of human societies and for the environment [1,2]. This is mainly manifested in biological production, material circulation, energy flows, and information transmission. Ecosystem services (ESs) usually refer to benefits people derive directly and indirectly from nature [3], and which are useful in maintaining human welfare and addressing sustainability challenges [4].

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Discussion

Conclusion