Analyzing Mega City-Regions through Integrating Urbanization and Eco-Environment Systems: A Case Study of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region

Abstract

The high-speed economic growth of mega city-regions in China has been characterized by rapid urbanization accompanied by a series of environmental issues ranging from widespread soil contamination to groundwater depletion. This article begins with an analysis of the interaction between urbanization and the ecological system and reviews existing frameworks for analyzing urban and ecological systems. By taking the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region as an example, the article introduces a conceptual framework to analyze mega city-regions and forecast possible interactions between urbanization and eco-environment by applying simulation model. The proposed framework and its components can provide guidance to identify the impacts of urbanization and external forces such as globalization on eco-environment by integrating the internal and external factors, synthesize the complex components of mega city-regions in databases, understand and diagnose the casual relationship between urban policies and ecological consequences.

The Framework of the Principles of Sustainable Urban Ecosystems Development and Functioning

“…The concept emphasizes that the ecosystem is characterized by a distinctive system of individual elements and functions which combine structural components. Cities are complicated complex systems and the human factor, its dominance and impact have led to various changes in the concept of the ecosystem in terms of climate, soil, water circulation, species composition, dynamics of population, energy and material flows, and formed a unique urban ecosystem phenomenon [23,[37][38][39].…”

“…A city as an ecosystem does not operate under vacuum conditions-it is a dynamic and wide process. Urbanization and ecological urban environment are analyzed in various levels-global, national, subnational and local [23,43]. Wolman [22], one of the first scientists working on urban ecosystems, noted that the urban transformation of natural resources and the generation of waste and emissions have affected more extensive local and regional levels and that the problem of fresh water supply to cities has had a broader impact in its geographical boundaries.…”

“…Regarding these issues, Pincetl et al [43] propose to study urban ecosystems from a global perspective, including economics, migration and climate change aspects. In order to manage ecological problems properly, environmental policy is implemented internationally, establishing supranational institutions that have the prerogative of shaping and implementing the principles of sustainable cities and circular economy [23]. The national level focuses on the implementation of environmental policy which involves the development of new and smart technologies.…”

“…Sustainability occurs when communities are viable, social and economic equality prevails and environmental protection is ensured. However, recently, research highlights the growing influence of policy and public administration in the areas of regulation and strategic planning [14,23], so the pillars presented by the authors could be extended with the pillar of governance. Development of strategic plans with long-term goals, draft or modification of legislation, proper coordination and control point to the direction of developing sustainability principles in states, regions or cities, and contributes to the achievement of targeted goals.…”

“…The analysis concentrates on research over the last decade [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19], but inevitably integrates the primary [1,[20][21][22] results of the analysis of sustainable urban ecosystems. The theories and approaches for the sustainable urban ecosystem are discussed by Tian et al [23], who modeled the existing framework of analyzing urban and ecological systems. In accordance with the insights of Harris [24], Capra [25], Shrivastava and Berger [26], Lindsey [27] and Emas [28] into the principles of sustainability; the insights of Chaudhuri and Chaudhuri [12], Hannover [29] and Melbourne [30] into the principles of the sustainable city; and the insights of Holmberg et al [31], Van Roon and Van Roon [32], Gibson [33,34], Luederitz and John [35] and Shaw and Allen [36] works on sustainable ecosystems, the purpose of the article is to investigate the principles of sustainable urban ecosystems.…”