Spatio-Temporal Evolution Measurement and Obstacle Factors of the Vulnerability of Water-Energy-Food-Ecology Nexus in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Abstract

The vulnerability of the water-energy-food-ecology nexus in the Yangtze River Economic Belt greatly impacts regional sustainable development. This study aimed to conduct a quantitative assessment and temporal and spatial evolution analysis of the vulnerability of the water-energy-foodecology nexus in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2008 to 2018 and diagnose the main factors that hinder the vulnerability reduction. Firstly, the vulnerability assessment index system was constructed according to the Vulnerability-Scoping-Diagram framework. Then, SPA-TOPSIS and ArcGIS10.7 were comprehensively used to evaluate the vulnerability of the water-energy-food-ecology nexus. Finally, the obstacle degree model was used to diagnose the main factors that hinder the vulnerability reduction of the water-energy-food-ecology nexus from the index and subsystem levels. The results showed that the vulnerability level of the water-energy-food-ecology nexus in the Yangtze River Economic Belt decreased from 2008 to 2018, and the overall trend was improved. The vulnerability level of the upstream region was generally lower than that of the middle and lower reaches. The main obstacles are the comprehensive utilization rate of solid waste, the primary industry energy consumption ratio, energy consumption intensity, water consumption per 10,000-yuan GDP, domestic water consumption per capita and fertilizer application per unit grain sowing area. The energy subsystem is the primary obstacle system, followed by the food, ecology, and water subsystem.

Has Green Finance Enhanced the Ecological Resilience Level in the Yangtze River Economic Belt?

“…Social and ecological systems have complexity and vulnerability and will continue to be impacted and disturbed by internal and external environmental risks. Therefore, it is an important issue in the current era to grasp the law of ecological development and establish a harmonious relationship of equality and coexistence between man and nature [41], so as to satisfy the people's growing needs for green development and a good ecological environment. Based on this, this paper selects a total of 12 indicators to measure the ecological resilience level of 11 provinces and cities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt from the three dimensions of "resistance-adaptability-resilience", deeply considering both sides of the ecological elements to synergize with the ecological security and service demand, as shown in Figure 2.…”

Spatiotemporal Evolution Characteristics and Driving Factors of Water-Energy-Food-Carbon System Vulnerability: A Case Study of the Yellow River Basin, China

“…In the latest research associated with the vulnerability of the WEFC system, Yue Pan et al conducted a quantitative assessment, spatiotemporal evolution analysis, and diagnostic identification of the primary obstacles hindering the reduction of WEFE system vulnerability in the Yangtze River Economic Belt [24]. Liming Liu et al concentrated on the Yangtze River Economic Belt, providing a detailed exposition of the conceptual framework and mechanistic analysis of WEFE system vulnerability [25].…”

Understanding the Water-Energy-Food Sustainability in China: A Perspective of Sustainable Development Goals

“…This aligns with SDG 8, which focuses on ensuring economic growth and inclusivity. From a social standpoint, changes in consumption patterns are impacting the total consumption levels and demand structure of resources [21,22], which relates to SDG 12 from the SDGs perspective. Allen et al [23] mentioned that SDG 8 and SDG 12 are closely linked to WEF.…”