Search Results (271)

As a key engine driving China’s green financial transformation, the Green Financial Reform and Innovation Pilot Zones have demonstrated significant achievements in enhancing the capacity of financial services to support green real economies, preventing and mitigating green financial risks, and bolstering national and urban economic resilience. On this basis, a spatial Markov chain model is applied to further analyze the economic toughness of prefecture-level cities. This study treats the establishment of these pilot zones as a quasi-natural experiment, using panel data from 269 prefecture-level cities in China from 2013 to 2023 and employing a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model to empirically examine the impact of green financial reform on urban economic resilience and its underlying mechanisms. The results reveal that the establishment of these pilot zones significantly enhances urban economic resilience. Specifically, green financial reforms primarily improve urban economic resilience by increasing credit accessibility and capital allocation efficiency in the pilot cities. Furthermore, the policy effects are more pronounced in large cities and resource-dependent cities compared to small and medium-sized cities and non-resource-dependent cities, with stronger impacts observed in southern and coastal regions than in northern inland areas. Additionally, the policy effects are significantly greater in environmentally prioritized cities than in non-prioritized cities. By integrating green financial reforms and urban economic resilience into a unified analytical framework, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers to refine green financial strategies and design resilience-enhancing policies. Full article

Urban air pollution remains a significant environmental and public health issue, especially in European coastal cities such as Klaipėda. However, there is still a lack of local-scale knowledge on how land use structure influences pollutant distribution, highlighting the need to address this gap. This study addresses this by examining the spatial distribution of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations in Klaipėda’s seaport city and several inland and coastal resort towns in Lithuania. The research specifically asks how different land cover types and demographic factors affect NO₂ variability and population exposure risk. Data were collected using passive sampling methods and analyzed within a GIS environment. The results revealed clear air quality differences between industrial/port zones and greener resort areas, confirmed by statistically significant associations between land cover types and pollutant levels. Based on these findings, a Land Use Pollution Pressure index (LUPP) and its population-weighted variant (PLUPP) were developed to capture demographic sensitivity. These indices provide a practical decision-support tool for sustainable urban planning, enabling the assessment of pollution risks and the forecasting of air quality changes under different land use scenarios, while contributing to local climate adaptation and urban environmental governance. Full article

Dark skies, a vital natural and cultural resource, have been increasingly threatened by light pollution due to rapid urbanization, leading to ecological degradation and biodiversity loss. As a key strategy for sustainable regional development, dark sky parks (DSPs) not only preserve nocturnal environments but also enhance livability by balancing urban expansion and ecological conservation. This study develops a novel framework for evaluating DSP suitability, integrating ecological and socio-economic dimensions, including the resource base (e.g., nighttime light levels, meteorological conditions, and air quality) and development conditions (e.g., population density, transportation accessibility, and tourism infrastructure). Using the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a case study, we employ Delphi expert consultation, GIS spatial analysis, and multi-criteria decision-making to identify optimal DSP locations and prioritize conservation zones. Our key findings reveal the following: (1) spatial heterogeneity in suitability, with high-potential zones being concentrated in the GBA’s northeastern, central–western, and southern regions; (2) ecosystem advantages of forests, wetlands, and high-elevation areas for minimizing light pollution; (3) coastal and island regions as ideal DSP sites due to the low light interference and high ecotourism potential. By bridging environmental assessments and spatial planning, this study provides a replicable model for DSP site selection, offering policymakers actionable insights to integrate dark sky preservation into sustainable urban–regional development strategies. Our results underscore the importance of DSPs in fostering ecological resilience, nighttime tourism, and regional livability, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable landscape planning in high-urbanization contexts. Full article

Urban and regional ecosystems are increasingly challenged by the compounded effects of climate change and intensive land use. In this study, a predictive assessment framework for ecosystem resilience in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region was developed by integrating multi-source remote sensing data, with the aim of quantitatively evaluating the coupled effects of climate change and land use change on future ecosystem resilience. In the first stage of the study, the SD-PLUS coupled modeling framework was employed to simulate land use patterns for the years 2030 and 2060 under three representative combinations of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways and Representative Concentration Pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5). Building upon these simulations, ecosystem resilience was comprehensively evaluated and predicted on the basis of three key attributes: resistance, adaptability, and recovery. This enabled a quantitative investigation of the spatio-temporal dynamics of ecosystem resilience under each scenario. The results reveal the following: (1) Temporally, ecosystem resilience exhibited a staged pattern of change. From 2020 to 2030, an increasing trend was observed only under the SSP1-2.6 scenario, whereas, from 2030 to 2060, resilience generally increased in all scenarios. (2) In terms of scenario comparison, ecosystem resilience typically followed a gradient pattern of SSP1-2.6 > SSP2-4.5 > SSP5-8.5. However, in 2060, a notable reversal occurred, with the highest resilience recorded under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. (3) Spatially, areas with high ecosystem resilience were primarily distributed in mountainous regions, while the southeastern plains and coastal zones consistently exhibited lower resilience levels. The results indicate that climate and land use changes jointly influence ecosystem resilience. Rainfall and temperature, as key climate drivers, not only affect land use dynamics but also play a crucial role in regulating ecosystem services and ecological processes. Under extreme scenarios such as SSP5-8.5, these factors may trigger nonlinear responses in ecosystem resilience. Meanwhile, land use restructuring further shapes resilience patterns by altering landscape configurations and recovery mechanisms. Our findings highlight the role of climate and land use in reshaping ecological structure, function, and services. This study offers scientific support for assessing and managing regional ecosystem resilience and informs adaptive urban governance in the face of future climate and land use uncertainty, promotes the sustainable development of ecosystems, and expands the applicability of remote sensing in dynamic ecological monitoring and predictive analysis. Full article

Miami, Florida, renowned for its cultural richness and coastal beauty, also faces the concerning challenges created by urban heat islands (UHIs). As one of the hottest cities of the United States, Miami is facing escalating temperatures and threatening heat-related vulnerabilities due to urbanization and climate change. Our study addresses the critical issue of mapping and investigating UHIs in complex urban settings. This study leveraged Planet satellite data and Landsat data to conceptualize and develop appropriate mitigation strategies for UHIs in Miami. Utilizing the Planet satellite imagery and Landsat data, we conducted a combined study of land cover and land surface temperature variations within the city. This approach fuses remotely sensed data to identify the UHI hotspots. This study aims for dynamic approaches for UHI mitigation. This includes studying the status of green spaces present in the city, possible expansion of urban green spaces, the propagation of cool roof initiatives, and exploring the recent climatic trend of the city. The research revealed that built-up areas consistently showed higher land surface temperatures while zones with dense vegetation have lower surface temperatures, supporting the role of urban green spaces in surface temperature reduction. This research can also set a robust model for addressing UHIs in other cities facing rapid urbanization and experiencing mounting temperatures each passing year by helping in assessing LST, land cover, and related spectral indices as well. Full article

Mangrove forests serve as critical ecological barriers in coastal zones and play a vital role in global blue carbon sequestration strategies. In recent decades, China’s mangrove ecosystems have experienced complex interactions between degradation and restoration under intense coastal urbanization and systematic conservation efforts. However, the long-term spatiotemporal patterns and driving mechanisms of mangrove ecosystem health changes remain insufficiently quantified. This study developed a multi-temporal analytical framework using Landsat imagery (1986–2021) to derive kernel normalized difference vegetation index (kNDVI) time series—an advanced phenological indicator with enhanced sensitivity to vegetation dynamics. We systematically characterized mangrove growth patterns along China’s southeastern coast through integrated Theil–Sen slope estimation, Mann–Kendall trend analysis, and Hurst exponent forecasting. A Deep Forest regression model was subsequently applied to quantify the relative contributions of environmental drivers (mean annual sea surface temperature, precipitation, air temperature, tropical cyclone frequency, and relative sea-level rise rate) and anthropogenic pressures (nighttime light index). The results showed the following: (1) a nationally significant improvement in mangrove vitality (p < 0.05), with mean annual kNDVI increasing by 0.0072/yr during 1986–2021; (2) spatially divergent trajectories, with 58.68% of mangroves exhibiting significant improvement (p < 0.05), which was 2.89 times higher than the proportion of degraded areas (15.10%); (3) Hurst persistence analysis (H = 0.896) indicating that 74.97% of the mangrove regions were likely to maintain their growth trends, while 15.07% of the coastal zones faced potential degradation risks; and (4) Deep Forest regression id the relative rate of sea-level rise (importance = 0.91) and anthropogenic (nighttime light index, importance = 0.81) as dominant drivers, surpassing climatic factors. This study provides the first national-scale, 30 m resolution assessment of mangrove growth dynamics using kNDVI, offering a scientific basis for adaptive management and blue carbon strategies in subtropical coastal ecosystems. Full article

Heavy metal contamination in groundwater has emerged as a significant environmental issue, driven by rapid industrialization and intensified human activities, particularly in southern China. Heavy metal pollution in groundwater often presents complex spatial patterns and multiple sources; understanding the spatial heterogeneity and controlling factors of heavy metals is crucial for pollution prevention and water resource management in industrial regions. This study applied spatial autocorrelation analysis and self-organizing maps (SOM) coupled with K-means clustering to investigate the spatial distribution and key influencing factors of nine heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Ba, and Pb) in a typical industrial area in southern China. Heavy metals show significant spatial heterogeneity in concentrations. Cr, Mn, Fe, and Cu form local hotspots near urban and peripheral zones; Ni and As present downstream enrichment along the river pathway with longitudinal increase trends; Zn, Ba, and Pb exhibit a fluctuating pattern from west to east in the piedmont region. Local Moran’s I analysis further revealed spatial clustering in the northwest, riverine zones, and coastal outlet areas, providing insight into potential source regions. SOM clustering identified three types of groundwater: Cluster 1 (characterized by Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni) is primarily influenced by industrial pollution and present spatially scattered distribution; Cluster 2 (dominated by As, NO₃⁻, Ca²⁺, and K⁺) is associated with domestic sewage and distributes following river flow; Cluster 3 (enriched in Zn, Ba, Pb, and NO₃⁻) is shaped by agricultural activities and natural mineral dissolution, with a lateral distribution along the piedmont zone. The findings of this study provide a scientific foundation for groundwater pollution prevention and environmental management in industrialized areas. Full article

Aerosol optical depth (AOD) serves as a critical indicator for atmospheric aerosol monitoring and air quality assessment, and quantifies the radiative attenuation caused by airborne particulate matter. This study uses MODIS remote sensing imagery together with land use transition datasets (2000–2020) and road network density metrics (2014–2020), to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of AOD in Zhejiang Province and its synergistic correlations with urbanization patterns and transportation infrastructure. By integrating MODIS_1KM AOD product, grid-based road network density mapping, land use dynamic degree modeling, and transfer matrix analysis, this study systematically evaluates the interdependencies among aerosol loading, impervious surface expansion, and transportation network intensification. The results indicate that during the study period (2000–2020), the provincial AOD level shows a significant declining trend, with obvious spatial heterogeneity: the AOD values in eastern coastal industrial zones and urban agglomerations continue to increase, with lower values dominating southwestern forested highlands. Meanwhile, statistical analyses confirm highly positive correlations between AOD, impervious surface coverage, and road network density, emphasizing the dominant role of anthropogenic activities in aerosol accumulation. These findings provide actionable insights for enhancing land-use zoning, minimizing vehicular emissions, and developing spatially targeted air quality management strategies in rapidly urbanizing regions. This study provides a solid scientific foundation for advancing environmental sustainability by supporting policy development that balances urban expansion and air quality. It contributes to building more sustainable and resilient cities in Zhejiang Province. Full article

Extreme rainfall in urban areas can cause major economic damage, a problem expected to intensify with climate change. Despite this, high-resolution studies at the city scale remain limited. This study analyzes rainfall organization and storm dynamics over Barcelona using data from a dense rain gauge network (1994–2019). The aim is to identify dominant spatial patterns and understand how storms evolve in relation to local urban and topographic features. Principal component analysis and simple scaling analysis revealed signs of a rainfall island effect, possibly linked to the urban heat island and modulated by orographic and coastal influences. Tailored rainfall indices highlighted a division between inland areas shaped by orography and coastal zones influenced by the sea. These spatial structures evolved with rainfall duration, shifting from localized contrasts at a 10 min resolution to more homogeneous distributions at daily scales. Storm tracking showed that 90% of speeds ranged from 5 to 60 km/h and intense rainfall events typically moved east–southeast toward the sea and north–northeast. Faster storms tended to follow preferred directions reflecting mesoscale circulations and possible modulations by local terrain. These findings underscore how urban morphology, local relief, and a coastal setting may shape rainfall at the city scale, in interaction with broader Mediterranean synoptic dynamics. Full article

This study systematically unravels the hydrochemical evolution mechanisms and driving forces in multi-aquifer systems of Qingdao, a coastal economic hub. Integrated hydrochemical analysis of porous, fissured, and karst water, combined with PHREEQC modeling and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF), deciphers water–rock interactions and anthropogenic perturbations. Groundwater exhibits weak alkalinity (pH 7.2–8.4), with porous aquifers showing markedly higher TDS (161.1–8203.5 mg/L) than fissured (147.7–1224.8 mg/L) and karst systems (361.1–4551.5 mg/L). Spatial heterogeneity reveals progressive hydrochemical transitions (HCO₃-Ca → SO₄-Ca·Mg → Cl-Na) in porous aquifers across the Dagu River Basin. While carbonate (calcite) and silicate weathering govern natural hydrochemistry, evaporite dissolution and seawater intrusion drive severe groundwater salinization in the western Pingdu City and the Dagu River Estuary (localized TDS up to 8203.5 mg/L). PMF source apportionment identifies acid deposition-enhanced dissolution of carbonate/silicate minerals, with nitrate contamination predominantly sourced from agricultural runoff and domestic sewage. Landfill leachate exerts pronounced impacts in Laixi and adjacent regions. This study offering actionable strategies for salinity mitigation and contaminant source regulation, thereby providing a scientific framework for sustainable groundwater management in rapidly urbanizing coastal zones. Full article

Erosion represents a significant global threat to coastal zones, especially beaches, which are among the most valuable coastal landforms. This study evaluates the vulnerability to coastal erosion along the Brazilian Amazon coast, focusing on eight recreational beaches. The research is based on an assessment of geological, physical, ecological, and anthropogenic indicators. Some of these indicators were proposed in this study to enhance the evaluation of vulnerability in Amazonian beaches. The analysis reveals that most of the beaches studied are highly vulnerable to erosion due to a combination of natural factors and human activities. The barrier–beach ridge, composed of unconsolidated sediments, exhibits the highest vulnerability, while low cliffs present a moderate level of risk. The study highlights that semi-urban beaches with significant infrastructure development are particularly susceptible to erosion, a problem exacerbated by unplanned land use. Conversely, rural beaches, especially those located in protected areas, show lower vulnerability due to reduced human impact and better conservation of natural ecosystems. Furthermore, the study underscores the effects of extreme climatic events, such as prolonged rainfall and high-energy waves, which can intensify erosion risks. The findings suggest that anthropogenic changes, combined with extreme climate events, significantly influence the dynamics of coastal erosion. This research emphasizes the importance of targeted management strategies that address both natural and human-induced vulnerabilities, aiming to enhance coastal resilience and sustainability for Amazonian beaches. Full article

Coastal cities and low-lying areas are increasingly vulnerable, and accurate data is needed to identify where interventions are most required. We compared 53 cities affected by a 1 m increase in land levels and a 2 m rise in sea levels. The geographical scope of this study covered selected coastal cities in Europe and northern Africa. Data were sourced from the European Environment Agency (EEA) in the form of prepared datasets, which were further processed for analysis. Statistical methods were applied to compare the extent of urban flooding under two sea level rise scenarios—1 m and 2 m—by calculating the percentage of affected urban areas. To assess social vulnerability, the analysis included several variables: MAPF65 (Mean Area Potentially Flooded for people aged 65 and older, indicating elderly exposure), Age (the percentage of the population aged 65+ in each city), MAPF (Mean Area Potentially Flooded, representing the average share of urban area at risk of flooding), and Unemployment Ratio (the percentage of unemployed individuals living in the areas potentially affected by sea level rise). We utilized t-tests to analyze the means of two datasets, yielding a mean difference of 2.9536. Both parametric and bootstrap confidence intervals included zero, and the p-values from the t-tests (0.289 and 0.289) indicated no statistically significant difference between the means. The Bayes factor (0.178) provided substantial evidence supporting equal means, while Cohen’s D (0.099) indicated a very small effect size. Ceuta’s flooding value (502.8) was identified as a significant outlier (p < 0.05), indicating high flood risk. A Grubbs’ test confirmed Ceuta as a significant outlier. A Wilcoxon test highlighted significant deviations between the medians, with a p << 0.001, demonstrating systematic discrepancies tied to flood frequency and sea level anomalies. These findings illuminated critical disparities in flooding trends across specific locations, offering essential insights for urban planning and mitigation strategies in cities vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns. Information on coastal flooding provides awareness of how rising sea levels affect at-risk areas. Examining factors such as MAPF and population data enables the detection of the most threatened zones and supports targeted action. These perceptions are essential for strengthening climate resilience, improving emergency planning, and directing resources where they are needed most. Full article

Biodiversity conservation plays a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development and fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. This study identifies avian conservation priority areas across China by analyzing multi-dimensional biodiversity, incorporating species diversity, functional diversity, and phylogenetic diversity. Through systematic conservation planning using Zonation version 4 software, we delineated priority areas across these diversity dimensions. Our results demonstrate a distinct south-to-north diversity gradient in China’s avifauna, with functional and phylogenetic diversity hotspots concentrated in Yunnan Province, the Hengduan Mountains, Hainan Island, Taiwan Island, and southeastern coastal regions. The identified priority conservation areas cover 14.6% of China’s terrestrial territory, protecting 89.8% of the country’s bird species—including 93.5% of endemic species and 88.9% of critically endangered species. Notably, existing nature reserves encompass merely 8.1% of these priority areas, revealing substantial conservation gaps within the current protection framework. Building upon China’s 3C Zoning Framework (Cities and farms, Shared landscapes, and Large wild areas), we propose zone-specific conservation strategies, with particular emphasis on strengthening protected area networks in the eastern coastal regions and the middle-lower Yangtze River basin, where urbanization pressures are most acute. These findings highlight the critical importance of incorporating multi-dimensional diversity in conservation planning and offer novel perspectives for optimizing China’s protected area system. Full article

Urban expansion in coastal areas involves infrastructure development, industrial growth, and mining activities. These coastal environments face various environmental and geological hazards that require geo-engineers to devise solutions. An integrated geophysical approach aims to address such complex challenges as sea level rise, sea water intrusion, shoreline erosion, landslides and previous anthropogenic activity in coastal settings. In this study, the proposed methodology involves the systematic application of geophysical methods (FDEM, 3D GPR, 3D ERT, seismic), starting with a broad-scale survey and then proceeding to a localized exploration, in order to identify lithostratigraphy, bedrock depth, sea water intrusion and detect anthropogenic buried features. The critical aspect is to leverage the unique strengths and limitations of each method within the coastal environment, so as to derive valuable insights for survey design (extension and orientation of measurements) and data interpretation. The coastal zone of Throrikos valley, Attica, Greece, serves as the test site of our geophysical investigation methodology. The planning of the geophysical survey included three phases: The application of frequency-domain electromagnetic (FDEM) and 3D ground penetrating radar (GPR) methods followed by a 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey and finally, using the seismic refraction tomography (SRT) and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW). The FDEM method confirmed the geomorphological study findings by revealing the paleo-coastline, superficial layers of coarse material deposits and sea water preferential flow due to the presence of anthropogenic buried features. Subsequently, the 3D GPR survey was able to offer greater detail in detecting the remains of an old marble pier inland and top layer relief of coarse material deposits. The 3D ERT measurements, deployed in a U-shaped grid, successfully identified the anthropogenic feature, mapped sea water intrusion, and revealed possible impermeable formation connected to the bedrock. ERT results cannot clearly discriminate between limestone or deposits, as sea water intrusion lowers resistivity values in both formations. Finally, SRT, in combination with MASW, clearly resolves this dilemma identifying the lithostratigraphy and bedrock top relief. The findings provide critical input for engineering decisions related to foundation planning, construction feasibility, and preservation of coastal infrastructure. The methodology supports risk-informed design and sustainable development in areas with both natural and cultural heritage sensitivity. The applied approach aims to provide a complete information package to the modern engineer when faced with specific challenges in coastal settings. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a profound interruption in the way people travel and has had a very negative impact on tourism and economics throughout the world, especially on the coastal fishing communities in South Korea. These previously problematic areas, having suffered a decrease in the local population as well as stood in the midst of the economic downturn, experienced a great cut in the number of tourists coming from far away, which additionally caused their collapse of resilience and sustainability. This research investigates the recovery trends of 45 seashore-fishing districts in South Korea and how the change in travel distance and the number of visitors before and after the pandemic have affected these trends. Through the utilization of big data from the Korea Tourism Data Lab (2019–2023) and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, we observe the changes in visitor flows, use the indices of resilience as an indicator to measure them, and investigate how proximity affects travel recovery. The survey results indicate that the regions neighboring metropolitan zones were not only the ones that suffered the most from travel distance during the pandemic but also experienced quick recovery after the pandemic. The new promotional campaigns, in tandem with an improved network of transportation, contributed to the swift recovery of these areas. The remote areas, on the other hand, persist in fighting the problems of regionalized tourism and have only limited accessibility. The proposition of “distance-dependent resilience” theory as well as the Blue Urbanism framework is offered in order to bring up the ideas of sustainable tourism and population stabilization. The study is expected to serve as a cornerstone for the practice of adaptive governance and strategic planning in the matter of the coastal areas after the pandemic. Full article