Response of resources and environment carrying capacity under the evolution of land use structure in Chongqing Section of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 274; p. 111169
• Main Authors: Chen, Dan, Zhou, Qi-gang, Yu, Lean
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.11.2020
• Subjects: Deficit and surplus; Ecological footprint; environmental management; evolution; land use; Land use structure; population density; Resources and environment; Suitable carrying capacity; Three Gorges Reservoir Area; urban areas; Land use structure; Suitable carrying capacity; Resources and environment; Ecological footprint; Three Gorges Reservoir Area; Deficit and surplus
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111169

In this study, a comprehensive model for suitable carrying capacity of resources and environment was proposed based on ecological footprint method. Using the spatiotemporal distribution data of land use in Chongqing Section of Three Gorges Reservoir Area from 2001 to 2016, the response changes of carrying capacity of resources and environment under the evolution of land use structure were investigated. The analytical results showed that the suitable carrying capacity of resources and environment in Chongqing decreased first and then increased. In the early stage of the Three Gorges Project, some districts and counties exhibited the phenomenon of suitable carrying capacity deficit, especially in the northeast of Chongqing. In the main urban area of Chongqing, the suitable carrying capacity was also mainly restricted by the ecological resources conditions, the deficit was getting worse with the increase of population density. In the later stage, by restoring ecology and improving the living and economic conditions, the phenomenon of deficit was gradually alleviated. These findings will provide some references for the protection of ecological environment and the development of social economy in Chongqing Section of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area. [Display omitted] •A concept of suitable carrying capacity of resources and environment is proposed.•Response changes of carrying capacity for land use structure evolution are analyzed.•Carrying capacity surplus and deficit of environment in Chongqing are investigated.