Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response Research Articles

Classification of risk levels for snow damage estimation considering socioeconomic factors in South Korea

In South Korea, the snowy season spans from October to April, and the annual average snowfall varies significantly depending on specific regions, latitudes, and elevations, ranging from 0 to 260 cm. The average annual snowfall in South Korea is 25.1 cm. Despite of the relatively shallow snowfall depth, over the past decade, South Korea has experienced approximately 120 million dollars in damages attributed to snow-related incidents. In this study, the DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) framework was employed to consider the meteorological and socioeconomic factors to calculate the snow damage vulnerability. A total of 17 indicators were taken into account to comprehend meteorological conditions, socioeconomic factors, and historical damage records from 1994 to 2020. However, due to the limited availability of meteorological observatories and changes in greenhouse design standards, accurately estimating the snow damage amount poses challenges. Therefore, based on the vulnerability, the risk levels were classified into four categories and estimated snow damage generated by the categorized models was compared with those of the model constructed using the entire dataset. The categorized models offer improved estimation results, as the meteorological and socioeconomic characteristics within each category differ and should be addressed separately in modeling. Among the categorized models, the Green zone exhibited the best results, primarily because it did not include outlier snow damage incidents. The developed model in this study could be utilized to mitigate the impact of heavy snowfall and prioritize snow removal regions.

Holistic Management Approach for Social-Ecological Systems in Iran

Social-ecological systems (SESs) in Iran face escalating challenges and pressures due to a multitude of environmental and social factors, such as global warming, population growth, and unsustainable resources management practices. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the historical context and evolution of SESs in Iran and examines the current challenges and pressures confronting these systems. The methods utilized include literature review, case studies, framework development, analysis and synthesis, comparative analysis, integration of feedback, and Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework analysis. We also discuss opportunities for enhancing resilience and sustainability in the country’s SESs, including case studies of successful management approaches. This analysis highlights the urgent need for integrated and interdisciplinary approaches to manage SES in Iran, including with community engagement and inclusive participation. Our findings develop and recommend a holistic management approach that can effectively respond to changing social and ecological conditions over time. The suggested holistic management approach involves various processes and aspects, such as stakeholder engagement, baseline data collection and monitoring, scenario planning, adaptive management strategies, and evaluation. Overall, this paper provides a valuable resource for different stakeholders, especially researchers and policymakers interested in the management of SESs in Iran and offers insights to other neighboring nations encountering similar challenges in their SESs.

Applying the driver-pressure-state-impact-response model to ecological restoration: A case study of comprehensive zoning and benefit assessment in Zhejiang Province, China

Ecosystem degradation is a global problem that poses a significant threat to the sustainable development of human societies, particularly in developing countries, such as China. In response, China has implemented a series of ecological restoration (ER) policies over recent years. However, significant regional developmental disparities, pronounced spatial heterogeneity of ecological issues, and substantial historical debt for ER in China present considerable obstacles and financial burdens to the effective implementation of ER strategies. Delineating ER zones and assessing the ER benefits are essential for developing effective ER strategies and implementing ER projects. In this study, we constructed a comprehensive framework for ER utilizing the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model, quantified the urbanization levels, ecological state, and restoration costs in Zhejiang Province to delineate ER zones, integrated the patch-generating land use simulation model with the ecosystem service value assessment method to quantify the benefits of ER, and ultimately developed tailored ER strategies. The results showed that: (1) The pattern of urbanization levels was characterized by high levels in the northeast and low levels in the southwest, which constrated with the ecological state. The areas of high restoration costs were located in the northeastern and southeastern regions, and the areas of low restoration costs were situated in the southwestern region. (2) The rate of construction land expansion is significantly curtailed under the ER scenario compared to the natural development scenario in 2035, while forest areas have seen effective protection and an increase from the levels of 2020. (3) The ER policy is projected to generate ecological benefits totaling CNY 8.23 billion by 2035, substantially reducing the rate of ecosystem degradation. (4) Zhejiang Province is divided into five zones at the county scale: ecological autonomous protection zone, ecological core protection zone, ecological priority restoration zone, ecological control zone, and moderate development zone. Strategies have been devised based on the forecasted benefits of ER, offering valuable insights into ecological management. These findings aim to enhance the understanding of ER and support the development and implementation of regional ecological policies.

Participatory analysis of disaster risk creation in Brazilian coastal cities: bridging remote sensing and citizen generated data

Purpose This paper aimed to develop a participatory methodology to analyze the disaster risk creation in coastal cities, based on an approach that combines social, urban, environmental and disaster risk elements. Design/methodology/approach The methodology uses some aspects of three theoretical approaches in a complementary way: i) the Pressure and Release (PAR) framework for the identification of dynamic pressures that contribute to disaster risk creation; ii) the application of Drivers, Pressure, State, Impact, Response (DPSIR) framework to analyze environmental dimensions; and iii) urban analysis, applying the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) tool to classify urban processes. The methodology combined the use of satellite remote sensing data to analyze the urban sprawl and citizen science methods to collect social and environmental data, using the case study of the watershed of the Juqueriquerê River in the coastal city of Caraguatatuba, Brazil. The pilot project was part of a local university extension project of the undergraduate course on Architecture and Urban Planning and also engaged residents and city hall representatives. Findings The satellite remote sense data analysis indicated a continuous urban sprawl between 1985 and 2020, especially in the south of the Juqueriquerê watershed, reducing urban drainage and increasing the extension and water depth of urban flooding and riverine floods. Using citizen science methods, undergraduates identified settlements with limited economic resources to elevate houses and a lack of infrastructure to promote a resilient coastal city. After identifying the dynamic pressures that contribute to disaster risk creation and the weaknesses and strengths of a resilient city, undergraduate students proposed urban planning interventions and gray and green infrastructure projects to mitigate disaster risks. Social implications The paper identifies urban sprawl in disaster-prone areas as one of the risk factors contributing to disaster. It also comprehensively analyzes differences between different zones in the Juqueriqere River, which will be useful for policy-making. Originality/value The method presented an interdisciplinary approach that used satellite remote sensing data and citizen science techniques to analyze disaster risks in coastal cities. The multidimensional approach used to evaluate risks is useful and can be replicated in other similar studies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of disaster risks.

VULNERABILITY OF HERITAGE SITES TO CLIMATIC EXTREME EVENTS: KHALIFATABAAD ANCIENT MOSQUE

Built heritage is the pride of human civilisation and the built environment. But nowadays, they are gradually threatened by various natural decay, deterioration, and effects of extreme climate events. Khalifatabaad (present Bagerhat) in the southwestern part of Bangladesh has a rich heritage value and was also enlisted as one of the world heritage sites by UNESCO in 1985. The Department of Archaeology Bangladesh and UNESCO are working together to conserve Khalifatabaad's heritage sites. But due to climate change and the increased number of tropical climate extreme events like sea-level rise, tropical cyclones, super cyclones, storms, tidal surges, waterlogging, salinity, dampness, etc., significant problems are arising to preserve and conserve the heritage structures of tropical regions. This paper aims to investigate and analyse the vulnerabilities of these heritage structures due to extreme climate events by following building pathology principles. The DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) method is used as the research framework. The research data are collected and documented through a literature review, site survey, detailed observation, documentation, oral statement records, and qualitative analysis. The research outcome is focused on investigating the most responsible climate extreme events, their short-term and long-term impacts on heritage buildings, and presenting conservation strategies for the historical sites in Khalifatabaad.

Evaluation Index System of Rural Ecological Revitalization in China: A National Empirical Study Based on the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response Framework

Rural ecological revitalization (RER) is one of the five goals of China’s rural revitalization strategy. However, there is a lack of an effective index system to evaluate RER levels, which hinders the implementation of this national policy and reduces the effectiveness and efficiency of public resource input. Using the driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework, this study developed an evaluation framework consisting of 5 subsystems, 12 secondary indicators, and 33 tertiary indicators. Using the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method, we analyzed a set of 30 provinces’ data and empirically determined the weights of each indicator. We found that the response subsystem had the largest weight (0.338), followed by the state (0.271), impact (0.148), pressure (0.130), and driver (0.113). We then evaluated the RER level in each province and found that five provinces had high RER levels, 16 provinces had moderate RER levels, and nine provinces had low RER levels. Using Moran’s I, we examined spatial autocorrelation of provincial RER levels at global and local dimensions. We found significant positive global autocorrelations across all subsystems, indicating that geological aggregation exists in all RER subsystems. The local autocorrelation results showed that low–low and high–high patterns were the dominant local autocorrelation patterns. According to the findings, we discussed the possible implications of this RER evaluation index system and provided policy recommendations for strengthening RER in different regions across the country.

The DPSIR (Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, Response) approach in analyzing the case of waste emergencies in Bandung City

Background: As the center of development and education in West Java, the city of Bandung has faced a waste problem that continues to increase along with increasing population growth. Indeed, there were two tragedies. In 2005 the Leuwigajah landfill exploded and in 2023 the Sarimukti landfill was burned. These tragedies became the climax of the Waste Emergency in the city of Bandung. Methods: By using the DPSIR framework and the literature research, this study aimed to gain a better understanding of the urban waste problem faced by each region, especially the city of Bandung. Finding: It was found that the government's Response only addresses Pressure and State, while Driving Force and Impact have not yet been addressed. Conclusion: From these results, it is recommended to raise awareness among residents of the city of Bandung through real appeals and persuasions, and to require manufacturers to be responsible for the distribution of their products. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The application of the DPSIR framework to analyze and address waste management emergencies in Bandung, Indonesia. While this method has been applied in various contexts, it has not been specifically tailored to the unique challenges of this region. This approach underscores the importance of addressing both immediate waste management issues and underlying consumer behaviors. It provides a comprehensive strategy that involves the engagement of the government, private sector, and community.

Ecological Evaluation of Land Resources in the Yangtze River Delta Region by Remote Sensing Observation

The evaluation of land ecological security (LES) evaluates how human activity and land use affect land ecosystems. Its ultimate objective is to provide guidance and assistance for decision making in order to preserve and restore the efficacy and health of terrestrial ecosystems. The assessment model presented in this article is comprehensive and integrates the advantages of both subjective and objective weighting techniques. This study extends the “Pressure–State–Response” (PSR) model to “Driver–Pressure–State-Impact–Response” (DPSIR) and combines it with TOPSISI to determine the weights of each contributing component. Furthermore, the geographical and temporal distribution patterns of regional land ecological security levels were investigated using GIS geostatistical approaches. According to this study, (1) the Yangtze River Delta region’s LES index, with a mean value in the fairly safe range, is generally safe. The year 2019 marks an inflection point for the index, with the highest level of ecological safety on land. The primary element is the modification of environmental policies that are enacted by the government. (2) The LES status is divided into two stages during the course of this study. The Yangtze River Delta region’s LES quickly develops throughout the first stage (2012–2019), which sees a shift in the safety rating from IV to II. The second stage (2019–2023) sees a progressive improvement in the LES index and a shift in the safety category from Class II to Class I. (3) Important variables influencing the geographical distribution of LES in the Yangtze River Delta region include barrier elements, including soil and water erosion areas, flood disaster areas, grain planting areas, urban green covering areas, and effective irrigation areas of farmland.

An Index System for the Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Forest Ecological Product Value Realization in China

Forest Ecological Product Value Realization (FEPVR) is an important way for China to promote the transition and development of forestry and realize common prosperity. It is critical to assess the effectiveness of FEPVR rationally to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the progress of ecological civilization. Based on the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) model, in this study, we developed an evaluation index system for FEPVR effectiveness containing five subsystems and 37 indicators and assessed the effectiveness of FEPVR in China from 2011 to 2022 by using the linear weighted sum method, the coupling degree of coordination model, and Spearman’s correlation analysis. The results showed that the composite index increased from 0.1980 in 2011 to 0.6501 in 2022, with a general upward trend, but there is still great potential for improvement. The main contribution was from the Response subsystem. The year 2017 was an important turning point for FEPVR in China because its development started to speed up; the status of coupling coordination between different subsystems was gradually improving but was still at a low level. The relationship between all indicators was dominated by a non-significant correlation (52.4%), and the overall synergistic effect (27.8%) was greater than the trade-off effect (19.8%). This study provides a new perspective for evaluating the effectiveness of FEPVR and a decision-making reference for clarifying the direction of FEPVR optimization.

The Paradox Between Economic Gain and Environmental Sustainability: A Case of Small Island Tourism in Pari Island, Indonesia

As an important economic sector in Indonesia, tourism, particularly for small islands, should shift towards sustainable management practices. This study examines possible sustainable tourism management practices in Pari Island, one of Indonesia???s small islands with both a diverse ecosystem and high annual tourist flux. Tourism activities in Pari Island have resulted in environmental impacts, and implementing sustainable tourism has therefore become challenging. This study used a comprehensive assessment framework called DPSIR (Driver‐Pressure‐State‐Impact‐Response) to identify factors that triggered environmental problems and assess their implications for sustainable tourism management. A questionnaire method was used to collect survey data from 317 residents and 143 tourists. Water quality samples were collected from 15 sampling points (11 groundwater wells and 4 seawater locations) and tested via the APHA‐9221‐B method to determine the coliform bacteria content as a proxy for tourism pressure on the environment. Results showed that the small island tourism was built upon economic activities that trigger a range of environmental pressures (e.g., increased population, tourists, and lodging), with consequences for tourism-related resource exploitation, spatial changes, and contamination of groundwater and seawater. Implementing the DPSIR approach would ensure adequate responses to the main problems of small island tourism, such as creation of regulations informed by tourism???s carrying capacity, an open???close system for use of coastal and marine areas, increased public and tourist awareness, and legal assurance over spatial control.

Evaluating coastal lagoon sustainability through the driver-pressure-state-impact-response approach: a study of Khenifiss Lagoon, southern Morocco

Coastal lagoons are valuable ecosystems, providing socioeconomic benefits and supporting human populations and biodiversity. However, these systems face several challenges, making them vulnerable to both natural and human factors. In this study, we apply the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) Approach to conduct a comprehensive socioeconomic and environmental assessment of the Khenifiss Lagoon to promote sustainable development and support decision-makers. Located on the southern Atlantic coast of Morocco, the lagoon was designated a natural reserve in 1962, a biological reserve in 1983, and a protected wetland under the Ramsar Convention since 1980. This study represents the initial endeavor to conduct a comprehensive global and multidisciplinary environmental assessment of the lagoon by using a wide range of data sources, including relevant publications and reports, satellite images and remote sensing data, field observations, and interviews, all analyzed under the DPSIR framework. Our findings show that both natural and human factors have an impact on the ecosystem. Natural Factors associated with the geomorphological features of the region likely contribute to the silting of the lagoon, possibly intensified by a large shipwreck stuck at its inlet. Meanwhile, human factors encompass population growth (at a rate of 2% per year), tourism, shellfish farming, fishing, shellfish harvesting, and salt extraction. Our results reveal significant changes in the lagoon’s condition in recent years, including a reduction in water body extent, a probable decrease in depth, and an increase in the accumulation of solid waste, plastics, and wastewater in three sectors spanning a total surface area of 464 ha (equivalent to 7% of the lagoon), a substantial expansion of the salt mining area encompassing 368 ha, and a remarkable loss of biodiversity, manifested in declining fish stocks and seabird populations. This study showed that the lagoon is positioned as a potential site for economic growth and serves to alert stakeholders and the local population to the ecosystem’s environmental issues. Based on the findings of this study, we highly recommend regulating human activities within the lagoon, the removal of the wreck at the entrance, proper waste management, community awareness programs, and strict monitoring and enforcement of regulations to protect the environment.

Cooking Energy Systems and their Effect on Environmental Sustainability in Dodoma, Tanzania: A Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) Synthesis

Consumption of energy for various uses including cooking, has various effects on the welfare of the environment. In developing countries where the majority rely on traditional biomass, cooking energy systems entail multiple disruptions to environmental sustainability. The objective of this paper is to integrate the prevailing cooking energy use systems of Dodoma region and environmental sustainability. The study uses the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to synthesize the two circumstances. Two sites, one rural and one urban were selected for data collection. The study adopted a case study design. Mixed methods were used to gather and analyze the data. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were employed in the selection of the respondents. The target population was the households. The sample size constitutes 210 households. Methods of data collection included survey, in-depth interview, focus group discussion and non-participant observation. Semi structure questionnaires, interview guides and focus group discussion Results reveal a significant proportion of the population (72.4%) using biomass energy for cooking. Disaggregated data expose the rural setting to have relatively higher proportions (89. %) as opposed to the urban (53.1%). The study further noted that persistent use of biomass energy is influenced by availability, accessibility, and affordability. Moreover, many households have been using inefficient stoves which lead to the consumption of large quantities of energy. A transition from firewood to charcoal in the rural area, and a thriving charcoal business in the urban have contributed to the clearance of forests and chopping off huge trees in the rural (the source area). These have led to the gradual disappearance of certain tree species. The study found no deliberate efforts at the individual or community level to restore environmental sustainability despite all the alarming indicators. Even though there are institutional frameworks, it was very hard to establish the duties and responsibilities of the institutions regarding the responses. The study concludes that there is a long way to go before biomass energy is abandoned, therefore individuals, communities and the government to take action to safeguard the environment for the benefit of the current and future generations.

Environmental Impact Assessment of Urban Waste Recycling Challenges: A Review of DPSIR for Life Cycle Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Recycling Challenges in Greater Monrovia, Liberia

This study evaluates the environmental impact of municipal solid waste management recycling probability in Greater Monrovia, using the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Greater Monrovia generates approximately 236155 tons of recyclable waste annually, comprising biodegradable, plastics, paper, inert materials, and assorted waste. Inadequate infrastructure causes less waste collection, and most are openly dumped or burned, triggering severe environmental pollution. The LCA examines key impact categories, including global warming potential (GWP), water pollution, resource depletion, and human health impacts across four waste management scenarios. Scenario one (Landfill) identified significant emissions, contributing to global warming (194.86 kg CO2 eq), marine aquatic ecotoxicity (MAE) (2259578 kg 14-DB eq), and human toxicity (172.59 kg 14-DB eq). Scenario two (Anaerobic Digestion) illustrates lower impacts on human toxicity (237.83 kg 14-DB eq) and freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity (86.99 kg 14-DB eq), with moderate GWP (415.51 kg CO2 eq). In Scenario three, (Open Burning) results are the highest GWP (444.03 kg CO2 eq) and MAE (1426606.7 kg 14-DB eq), indicating substantial environmental and health risks. Scenario Four, a combined approach integrating landfill, anaerobic digestion, and open burning, optimizes the strengths and mitigates the weaknesses of each scenario, offering a balanced approach with reduced impacts across multiple categories. Findings indicate Scenario Two has a relatively moderate environmental impact. Assumed as the most preferred scenario based on the waste management option due to low environmental effects, thereby recommended as the appropriate technology for the MSW recycling process in Greater Monrovia, ultimately reducing environmental impacts and improving resource recovery.

DINAMIKA DAN TANTANGAN PERUBAHAN PENGGUNAAN LAHAN DI WILAYAH PULAU KECIL (STUDI KASUS GILI MENO, TRAWANGAN DAN AIR)

Gili Matra is a small island in the northern part of Lombok Island that is vulnerable to climate change's impacts. Rising sea levels, coastline changes, abrasion, rising earth temperatures, and global warming consequences cause climate change. The pressure on the need for space to develop facilities and infrastructure to support tourism has resulted in a change in land use from green open land to built-up land. Based on these problems, this research aims to describe the dynamics and challenges in regulating land use in Gili Matra. The method used in this research is a descriptive, evaluative analysis using policy analysis and DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, States, Impacts, Responses) analysis to facilitate systematic thinking in analyzing research objectives. The results of this study indicate that tourism development is a trigger for the development of space requirements in Gili Matra, which causes changes in land use. In addition, there needs to be more overlap in determining area functions and spatial planning, resulting in stronger implementation of spatial use control in Small Islands.

Identifying the Contributing Sources of Uncertainties in Urban Flood Vulnerability in South Korea Considering Multiple GCMs, SSPs, Weight Determination Methods, and MCDM Techniques

This study quantified uncertainties involved in assessing the future flood vulnerability in 33 urban areas with population exceeding designated thresholds in South Korea. The driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework was utilized as the study procedure, integrating social, economic, and environmental factors. In addition, a total of 220 cases of combinations were examined, encompassing twenty general circulation models combined with shared socioeconomic pathway scenarios, five weight determination methods, and three multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, as sources of inherent uncertainties in the process. The rankings of urban flood vulnerability (UFV) for the selected cities were comprehensively assessed considering all combinations, followed by an analysis of variance test to investigate contributing sources of uncertainties. As a result, Incheon and Busan were found to be vulnerable to flooding, while Yeongcheon and Andong appeared to be safe cities. Some cities exhibited wide ranges in their rankings, such as Daegu, Yangpyeon, and Jeongeup. The identified contributing sources were weighting (58%), MCDM (27%), and the combination of weighting and MCDM methods together (15%). This study revealed that weight determination methods and MCDM techniques are the primary sources of uncertainties in the assessment of future UFV instead of multiple GCMs and SSPs. This finding underscores the importance for decision-makers and stakeholders to carefully consider these uncertainties for sustainable flood risk management and prevention.

Constructing an evaluation model for the comprehensive level of sustainable development of provincial competitive sports in China based on DPSIR and MCDM.

This study focuses on the objective assessment of sport development in socio-economic environments, considering the challenges faced by the industry. These challenges include disparities in regional investments, limited market participation, slow progress towards sports professionalization, and insufficient technological innovations. To tackle these challenges, we suggest implementing an integrated evaluation model that follows the DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, States, Impacts, Responses) framework and incorporates comprehensive socioeconomic indicators. Subsequently, we utilized the Entropy power method and TOPSIS (Order Preference Technique for Similarity to an Ideal Solution, TOPSIS) analysis to comprehensively assess the progress of competitive sports development in 31 provinces and cities in China. Additionally, we recommended further developments in competitive sports and proposed precise strategies for promoting its growth. The framework and methodology developed in this paper provide an objective and scientifically based set of decision-making guidelines that can be adopted by government agencies and related industries in order to create successful plans that promote the sustainable growth of competitive sport. This is expected to bolster the nation's global influence, enhance social unity, and fuel economic expansion. The findings of this study offer policymakers valuable insights regarding competitive sports and can advance the development of the sports sector in China, thus making it a crucial driver of regional socio-economic progress.

Stakeholder engagement in advancing sustainable ecotourism: an exploratory case study of Chilika Wetland

Ecotourism, over time, has emerged as a preferred strategy for resource utilization within protected areas of developing nations, as it effectively bridges the gap between ecological conservation imperatives and the imperative for local economic development. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the multifaceted impacts of ecotourism on local communities, with due consideration given to its environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Furthermore, the research endeavors to evaluate the degree of stakeholder engagement in fostering sustainable tourism practices within ecotourism initiatives. Thematic content analysis has been used and the data for the analysis has been sourced through field observations, key informant discussions and different secondary sources. This research examines the dynamic interaction between local communities and ecotourism aspects in the Chilika Wetland in India, using the DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) framework. It promotes a comprehensive decision-making method that considers the Triple Bottom Line and Community-oriented Collaborative approach. Findings underscore the potential for Chilika’s ecosystem restoration and mitigating adverse tourist impacts with effective ecotourism governance. The need for collaboration among stakeholders becomes crucial for the effective administration of ecotourism, as shown by the instance of Mangalajodi, which exemplifies the successful outcome of community-led ecotourism. Nevertheless, certain prerequisites, such as knowledge dissemination, training, financial support, cultural promotion, eco-friendly infrastructure, and a commitment to conservation, have been recognized as necessary for ensuring long-term community involvement in ecotourism initiatives.

Green Transition Assessment, Spatial Correlation, and Obstacles Identification: Evidence from Urban Governance Data of 288 Cities in China

The green transition of China’s cities is crucial for ecology civilization realization. Based on the driver–pressure–state–impact–response (DPSIR) framework, an integrated technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) model with entropy weight, this study achieved the comprehensive assessment of the green transition of 288 province-level municipalities and prefecture-level cities in China over 18 years from 2002 to 2019, in addition to the spatial correlations and obstacles analysis. The results indicate that major cities in China have a more significant green transition value, and the eastern region is developing fast, while the northeast region is relatively slow. There was heterogeneous spatial distribution for green transition, because of the disequilibrium sustainable development of 288 cities. Green transition has a significantly positive spatial autocorrelation in the cities of China, the high–high significant clusters greatly increased, and the main locations changed from the northeast to southeast of China. Frequent obstacles were also found, including road infrastructure construction, water resources, and the green coverage of urban built-up areas. Based on these results, several policy implications were put forward, including the optimization of environmental laws and regulations, the development of green transportation infrastructure, resource conservation and the circular economy, the establishment of a green financial system, and increasing the linkage for the green transition of different cities.

Water consumption and biodiversity: Responses to global emergency events

Given that it was a once-in-a-century emergency event, the confinement measures related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused diverse disruptions and changes in life and work patterns. These changes significantly affected water consumption both during and after the pandemic, with direct and indirect consequences on biodiversity. However, there has been a lack of holistic evaluation of these responses. Here, we propose a novel framework to study the impacts of this unique global emergency event by embedding an environmentally extended supply-constrained global multi-regional input-output model (MRIO) into the drivers-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework. This framework allowed us to develop scenarios related to COVID-19 confinement measures to quantify country-sector-specific changes in freshwater consumption and the associated changes in biodiversity for the period of 2020–2025. The results suggest progressively diminishing impacts due to the implementation of COVID-19 vaccines and the socio-economic system’s self-adjustment to the new normal. In 2020, the confinement measures were estimated to decrease global water consumption by about 5.7% on average across all scenarios when compared with the baseline level with no confinement measures. Further, such a decrease is estimated to lead to a reduction of around 5% in the related pressure on biodiversity. Given the interdependencies and interactions across global supply chains, even those countries and sectors that were not directly affected by the COVID-19 shocks experienced significant impacts: Our results indicate that the supply chain propagations contributed to 79% of the total estimated decrease in water consumption and 84% of the reduction in biodiversity loss on average. Our study demonstrates that the MRIO-enhanced DSPIR framework can help quantify resource pressures and the resultant environmental impacts across supply chains when facing a global emergency event. Further, we recommend the development of more locally based water conservation measures—to mitigate the effects of trade disruptions—and the explicit inclusion of water resources in post-pandemic recovery schemes. In addition, innovations that help conserve natural resources are essential for maintaining environmental gains in the post-pandemic world.

Spatio-temporal evolution pattern and obstacle factors of water-energy-food nexus coupling coordination in the Yangtze river economic belt

The water-energy-food nexus (WEF nexus) poses a substantial global challenge driven by population growth and resource scarcity, necessitating the optimization of interconnections between water, energy, and food subsystems. The effective management of the WEF nexus has emerged as a pivotal component of sustainable development strategies. Based on the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, this research establishes a comprehensive WEF nexus assessment indicator system to scrutinize the interrelationships and coordination mechanisms among these three essential systems. This study investigates the spatio-temporal characteristics and obstacle factors within the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) from 2012 to 2022 using the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and obstacle factor diagnosis (OFD) model. The findings reveal several key insights: (1) The WEF nexus coupling degree (CD) across various provinces within the YREB currently exhibits a high-quality coupling state, characterized by minimal fluctuations and robust interconnectedness among the three subsystems; (2) Noteworthy disparities are observed in the spatio-temporal pattern of the WEF nexus CCD, reflecting an overarching evolutionary trend from low to high coupling coordination; (3) The obstacle factor analysis underscores critical areas for future focus in the YREB's development, emphasizing the efficient treatment of industrial emissions, urban water conservation, and adjustments to the proportion of coal consumption. This study contributes valuable insights for the CCD of the WEF nexus, providing valuable decision-making references for regional resource integration and the pursuit of sustainable development goals.