Vulnerability Of Urban Systems Research Articles

Economic Aspects of the Development Processes of Urbanized Territories

The article is devoted consideration of the processes of ecologization of urbanized territories. The author notes that urbanization has caused many environmental problems, among which the vulnerability of urban systems and the low level of environmental quality can be noted. In the modern Russian Federation, 75% of the total population of the country lives in urban areas. The features of the development of modern urbanized territories, leading to environmental pollution and further degradation, are highlighted. Improving the system of green spaces, based on urban zoning, soil conditions, climatic features, can significantly improve the ecological situation in the urban environment. It is noted that urban ecology leads to an increase in the quality of life of the population living in these territories through the greening of urban landscapes, approaching the natural environment, phytomelioration , and the formation of an attractive image of the city. Some physiological and ecological features of green spaces, which determine their important role in the greening of urban areas, have been studied. Plant species that are most suitable for landscaping urban areas in modern conditions are proposed. It is also noted that the growth of the ecological and economic competitiveness of the territory based on the use of an environmentally sound approach in the creation and operation of urban green spaces can cause an increase in revenues to the municipal budget.

Responses of Urban Ecosystem Vulnerability and Restoration Assessment on Typhoon Disaster: A Case Study of Zhuhai City, China

With the frequent occurrence of extreme disasters and the development of urbanization, the ecological vulnerability of urban system has been seriously affected, which has become an important issue in urgent need of research. In this study, a comprehensive analysis method of exposure, sensitivity, responsiveness, and resilience was used to establish an ecological vulnerability assessment model based on the impact of typhoon. With the help of big data analysis and model, this paper explored the impact and response of typhoon Hato on Zhuhai’s ecological vulnerability and restoration. Our results showed that under the influence of Hato, Jinwan district showed higher vulnerability, followed by Doumen district and Xiangzhou district. The lowest vulnerability of Xiangzhou district mainly for its coping capacity was significantly higher than the other two districts. Judging from the recovery situation shown by big data, Doumen and Xiangzhou districts recovered relatively quickly in terms of hydraulic and communication systems. The results of this study can provide a theoretical reference for vulnerability assessment, predisaster prevention, and postdisaster recovery of typhoon disaster risk areas.

Addressing chronic noncommunicable diseases is essential to strengthen urban resilience to communicable pandemic diseases

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility and vulnerability of urban systems and populations across the world. Yet while the infection is the focus of attention, the chronic noncommunicable diseases that affect large and increasing parts of urban populations create significant underlying vulnerability and augment the damaging consequences of COVID-19. People with noncommunicable diseases are experiencing the greatest mortality, hospitalization, and intensive care requirement, whereas protection, prevention and reduction measures are underdeveloped and insufficient. The COVID-19 experience in cities globally has highlighted specific needs and gaps, as well as opportunities to ‘future-proof’ cities against the additional vulnerability of noncommunicable diseases.