Search Results (64)

This study investigates the effects of saline reclaimed water recharge on soil salt accumulation and water migration in Xinjiang, China, aiming to provide scientific guidance for the sustainable utilization of reclaimed water in arid regions. Indoor vertical infiltration simulation experiments were conducted using reclaimed water with varying salinity levels (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g L⁻¹) to evaluate their impacts on soil water–salt distribution and infiltration dynamics. Results showed that irrigation with saline reclaimed water increased soil pH and significantly enhanced both the infiltration rate and wetting front migration velocity, while causing only minor changes in the moisture content of the wetted zone. When the salinity was 2 g L⁻¹, the observed improvement effect was the most significant. Specifically, the cumulative infiltration increased by 22.73% after 180 min, and the time required for the wetting peak to reach the specified depth was shortened by 21.74%. At this salinity level, the soil’s effective water storage capacity reached 168.19 mm, with an average moisture content increase of just 6.20%. Soil salinity increased with the salinity of the irrigation water, and salts accumulated at the wetting front as water moved downward, resulting in a characteristic distribution pattern of desalination in the upper layer and salt accumulation in the lower layer. Notably, reclaimed water recharge reduced soil salinity in the 0–30 cm layer, with salinity in the 0–25 cm layer decreasing below the crop salt tolerance threshold. When the salinity of the reclaimed water was ≤2 g L⁻¹, the salt storage in the 0–30 cm layer was less than 7 kg ha⁻¹, achieving a desalination rate exceeding 60%. Reclaimed water with a salinity of 2 g L⁻¹ enhanced infiltration (wetting front depth increased by 27.78%) and desalination efficiency (>60%). These findings suggest it is well suited for urban greening and represents an optimal choice for the moderate reclamation of saline-alkali soils in arid environments. Overall, this study provide a reference for the water quality threshold and parameters of reclaimed water for urban greening, farmland irrigation, and saline land improvement. Full article

China, the world’s predominant carbon emitter, is instrumental in advancing green and low-carbon urban land development globally. Urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE) in China is shaped by a multifaceted array of economic and social factors. Given the incongruous results observed in prior research, a comprehensive evaluation of these factors is paramount. This study consolidates data from previous research that explored the determinants of ULGUE in China. Utilizing the IPAT model as a foundational framework, the influencing factors were classified, and meta-analysis was employed to quantify their overall impact. The results show the following: (1) Population agglomeration exhibits a nonlinear effect on ULGUE, with moderate density enhancing efficiency but excessive concentration yielding diminishing returns; (2) Economic development efficiency positively affects ULGUE, with both gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and industrial structure advancement showing significant positive associations; (3) Social development equity demonstrates a threshold effect, where excessive governmental intervention or disproportionate investment in science and education may constrain ULGUE; (4) Resource endowment sustainability, including per capita green space and road infrastructure, consistently enhances ULGUE; (5) The impacts of these factors vary across regions, highlighting the importance of context-specific strategies. These findings provide robust evidence for policymakers to design targeted interventions that account for nonlinearities, threshold effects, and regional heterogeneity, thereby supporting sustainable, green, and low-carbon urban land use in China. Full article

Urban green spaces (UGS) are crucial for mitigating rising urban land surface temperatures (LST). Rapid urbanization presents unresolved questions regarding (a) seasonal variations in the spatial co-distribution of UGS and LST, (b) the temporal and spatial changes in UGS cooling, and (c) the dominant factors driving cooling effects during different periods. This study focuses on Beijing’s Fifth Ring Road area, utilizing nearly 40 years of Landsat remote sensing imagery and land cover data. We propose a novel nine-square grid spatial analysis approach that integrates LST retrieval, profile line analysis, and the XGBoost algorithm to investigate the long-term spatiotemporal evolution of UGS cooling capacity and its driving mechanisms. The results demonstrate three key findings: (1) Strong seasonal divergence in UGS-LST correlation: A significant negative correlation dominates during summer months (June–August), whereas winter (December–February) exhibits marked weakening of this relationship, with localized positive correlations indicating thermal inversion effects. (2) Dynamic evolution of cooling capacity under urbanization: Urban expansion has reconfigured UGS spatial patterns, with a cooling capacity of UGS showing an “enhancement–decline–enhancement” trend over time. Analysis through machine learning on the significance of landscape metrics revealed that scale-related metrics play a dominant role in the early stage of urbanization, while the focus shifts to quality-related metrics in the later phase. (3) Optimal cooling efficiency threshold: Maximum per-unit-area cooling intensity occurs at 10–20% UGS coverage, yielding an average LST reduction of approximately 1 °C relative to non-vegetated surfaces. This study elucidates the spatiotemporal evolution of UGS cooling effects during urbanization, establishing a robust scientific foundation for optimizing green space configuration and enhancing urban climate resilience. Full article

Urban rail transit, as a green, environmentally friendly, safe, and efficient mode of transportation, plays a crucial role in urban sustainable development. However, the influencing mechanism of build environment factors on rail transit ridership still needs to be further investigated. Also, the interaction effects between these factors have not been considered. This study aims to explore the relationship and impact of built environmental factors on metro ridership. The research employs the Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) model to analyze the temporal and spatial effects of built environmental factors on the rail transit ridership. The GeoDetector model is utilized to investigate the interactive effects of these factors on rail transit ridership. The Shanghai Metro ridership data and built environment data are applied to validate the model. Based on data analysis results, we found that Food & Beverages and Accommodation services, respectively, have the greatest impact on metro ridership on weekdays and weekends. Furthermore, the interaction effects between other variable and Land use diversity significantly enhance rail transit ridership, validating the promoting effect of land use diversity on metro ridership. By proposing recommendations for relevant urban planning and policy formulation, we can foster the sustainable development of urban rail transit. Full article

Aligning urban land development intensity with green land-use efficiency (GLUE) is crucial for fostering high-quality regional growth. This study aims to examine the coupling and coordination between built-up land intensity (BUI) and GLUE by utilizing multi-source heterogeneous data for Hainan Island (2017, 2020). A coupling coordination degree model and Geographical Detector are applied to quantify BUI, GLUE, and their coupling coordination, while also identifying the underlying driving factors. The results reveal the following: (i) Following the Free Trade Port initiative, BUI increased by 15.8%, while GLUE grew by 4.9%; (ii) The BUI–GLUE system is still in an adjustment phase, with 94% of jurisdictions showing low coordination; (iii) The primary drivers of coupling have shifted from economic fundamentals to policy and institutional guidance, with their interactions demonstrating significant synergies. These findings suggest that policy-induced land expansion may outpace improvements in GLUE, potentially leading to an imbalance in the land system. This paper introduces an innovative Driver–Response–Feedback and Production–Living–Ecological (DRF–PLE) framework and develops a transferable diagnostic tool for evaluating land-use system sustainability in rapidly urbanizing regions. Full article

Land resource misallocation (LRM) hinders the intensive use and maximization of allocation benefits, while also restricting regional coordinated development and reducing the quality of urban development. It is of great value to optimize the allocation of land resources, correct the mismatch of land resources, improve resource utilization efficiency, and achieve high-quality urban development through administrative means. On the basis of sorting out and summarizing the impact effects of government environmental assessment and the factors affecting urban LRM, this study uses panel data from 270 cities in China as samples and the multi-time difference-in-difference method to empirically test the impact of China’s leading officials’ natural resources accountability audit policy (NRAAP) on urban LRM. Research has found the following: (1) The environmental assessment represented by the pilot of NRAAP to some extent suppresses LRM. (2) NRAAP can have an impact on LRM by increasing government environmental attention. (3) NRAAP has a more significant inhibitory effect on LRM between eastern and non-resource-based cities. Therefore, local governments should innovate environmental assessment systems and optimize land resource allocation strategies according to local conditions and take a sustainable development path guided by green development. This study provides new research ideas and a technical basis for correcting the mismatch of land resources and improving the level of urban sustainable development. Full article

Rapid urbanization exerts immense pressure on cultivated land. Among these, slope-classified cultivated land (referring to cropland categorized by slope gradients) is especially vulnerable to fragmentation due to its ecological fragility, challenging utilization, and critical role in soil conservation and sustainable agriculture. This study explores the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving mechanisms of slope-classified cultivated land fragmentation (SCLF) in Guangdong Province, China, from 2000 to 2020. Using multi-temporal geospatial data, machine learning interpretation, and socioeconomic datasets, this research quantifies the spatiotemporal changes in SCLF, identifies key drivers and their interactions, and proposes differentiated protection strategies. The results reveal the following: (1) The SCLF decreased in the Pearl River Delta, exhibited “U-shaped” fluctuations in the west and east, and increased steadily in northern Guangdong. (2) The machine learning interpretation highlights significantly amplified synergistic effects among drivers, with socioeconomic factors, particularly agricultural mechanization and non-farm employment rates, exerting dominant influences on fragmentation patterns. (3) A “core–transitional–marginal” protection framework is proposed, intensifying the land use efficiency and ecological resilience in core areas, coupling land consolidation with green infrastructure in transitional zones, and promoting agroecological diversification in marginal regions. This research proposed a novel framework for SCLF, contributing to cultivated land protection and informing differentiated spatial governance in rapidly urbanizing regions. Full article

Urban blue–green space (UBGS) plays a critical role in mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect and reducing land surface temperatures (LSTs). However, existing research has not sufficiently explored the optimization of UBGS spatial configurations or their interactions with urban morphology. This study takes New York City as a case and systematically investigates small-scale urban cooling strategies by integrating multiple factors, including adjustments to the blue–green ratio, spatial layouts, vegetation composition, building density, building height, and layout typologies. We utilize multi-source geographic data, including LiDAR derived land cover, OpenStreetMap data, and building footprint data, together with LST data retrieved from Landsat imagery, to develop a prediction model based on generative adversarial networks (GANs). This model can rapidly generate visual LST predictions under various configuration scenarios. This study employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics to evaluate the performance of different model stages, selecting the most accurate model as the final experimental framework. Furthermore, the experimental design strictly controls the study area and pixel allocation, combining manual and automated methods to ensure the comparability of different ratio configurations. The main findings indicate that a blue–green ratio of 3:7 maximizes cooling efficiency; a shrub-to-tree coverage ratio of 2:8 performs best, with tree-dominated configurations outperforming shrub-dominated ones; concentrated linear layouts achieve up to a 10.01% cooling effect; and taller buildings exhibit significantly stronger UBGS cooling performance, with super-tall areas achieving cooling effects approximately 31 percentage points higher than low-rise areas. Courtyard layouts enhance airflow and synergistic cooling effects, whereas compact designs limit the cooling potential of UBGS. This study proposes an innovative application of GANs to address a key research gap in the quantitative optimization of UBGS configurations and provides a methodological reference for sustainable microclimate planning at the neighborhood scale. Full article

Relying on information technologies such as the Internet, big data, and cloud computing, smart cities (SC) fully integrate urban resources, constantly strengthen the ability of urban economic systems, infrastructure systems, ecosystems, social systems, institutional systems, and other systems to withstand disaster disturbance and external risk shocks, and promote urban resilience (UR) construction. This study uses panel data from 254 prefecture-level cities in China from 2009 to 2021, and employs a multiperiod difference-in-differences method to examine the direct and heterogeneous effects of SC on UR. After a series of empirical tests, this study obtains the following results: (1) SC have a significant impact on the improvement of UR, which objectively demonstrates the reciprocity between SC and the level of UR construction, providing data support for promoting the in-depth practice of SC. (2) From the mechanism test of the impact of SC on UR, urban land green utilization efficiency and industrial structure transformation are intermediate mechanisms through which SC affect the improvement of UR. In addition, public environmental attention (PEA) has a positive regulatory effect on SC and UR, that is, PEA strengthens the role of SC in improving UR. (3) From the heterogeneity of urban characteristics that affect UR, SC have a more significant effect on improving UR in eastern cities and non-resource-based cities. This study provides new ideas for studying UR and provides useful insights for promoting SC construction and enhancing UR. This study proposes that the government should continue to promote the intelligent construction of Chinese cities, advance the industrial structure and improve the green land utilization efficiency, and strengthen their positive impact on UR. Full article

Intensive farming in urban suburbs often causes habitat loss, soil erosion, wastewater discharge, and agricultural productivity decline, threatening long-term benefits for the local community. We developed a nature-based solution for sustainable land restoration by establishing “Green Treasure Island” (GTI). The aim of this study is to evaluate the ecological restoration effectiveness of GTI and explore its feasibility and replicability for future applications. The core eco-functional zone of GTI—a 7 hm² forested wetland—embedded a closed-loop framework that integrates land consolidation, ecological restoration, and sustainable land utilization. The forested wetland efficiently removed 65% and 74% of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, raised flood control capacity by 22%, and attracted 48 bird species. Additionally, this biophilic recreational space attracted over 3400 visitors in 2022, created green jobs, and promoted local green agricultural product sales. Through adaptive management and nature education activities, GTI evolved into a landmark that represents local natural–social characteristics and serves as a publicly accessible natural park for both rural and urban residents. This study demonstrates the feasibility of creating GTI for improving ecosystem services, providing a practical, low-cost template that governments and local managers can replicate in metropolitan rural areas worldwide to meet both ecological and development goals. Full article

China has already joined the ranks of innovative nations. Accelerating technological innovation to lead a green transformation in land use is an urgent requirement for promoting ecological civilization and, in turn, driving high-quality economic development. This study examines urban data spanning from 2006 to 2021, focusing on cities classified at the prefecture level or above. Employing the Chinese Innovative City Pilot Policy (ICPP) as a quasi-natural experiment, this study utilizes a super-efficiency Slack-Based Measure (SBM) model that incorporates undesirable outputs to assess Green Land Use Efficiency (GLUE). Additionally, a multi-period Difference-in-Differences (DID) model, combined with a mediation effect model, is employed to evaluate the influence of innovation-driven policies on GLUE. The findings are as follows: (1) Although GLUE showed variability throughout the study period, it generally trended upwards, with significant improvements noted in the eastern regions and coastal city clusters. (2) Innovation-driven policies have effectively enhanced urban GLUE, a conclusion supported by extensive robustness tests. (3) The heterogeneity investigation indicates that the ICPP’s impact on GLUE is more significant in cities with advantageous geographic locations, increased environmental awareness, and strong market potential. (4) A mechanism analysis demonstrates that the ICPP positively influences GLUE by reducing urban sprawl and promoting the concentration of digital service industries. Based on these results, this study proposes policy recommendations aimed at refining innovation-driven approaches to improve urban GLUE. These recommendations are pivotal in promoting a green, low-carbon transformation in China’s economic and social development. Full article

Information consumption has been reshaping the modes of human living and production, and driving the transformation of production and trade activities traditionally dependent on land resources, thus influencing urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE). Based on the panel data of 281 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2023, this study employs the national Information Consumption Pilot Policy (ICPP) as a quasi-natural experiment and utilizes a double machine learning model to assess the ICPP’s impacts on ULGUE. According to the results of the causal mediating effect analysis, the ICPP has improved ULGUE through three mediating mechanisms: expanding the scale of digital transactions, nurturing future industrial developments, and promoting green consumption behaviors. Moreover, in light of the results of the heterogeneity analysis, the ICPP’s impacts on ULGUE vary significantly. Such variation can primarily be attributed to differences in urban resource endowments, disparities in transportation infrastructure development, and variations in geographical location. Specifically, the ICPP has produced more prominent impacts on enhancing land green use efficiency in resource-based cities, cities with high-speed rail access, and coastal cities. Therefore, the government should proactively establish an urban information consumption environment, enhance the role of digital transactions, strategize future industrial developments, encourage green consumption behaviors, and differentiate local policies to effectively promote the continuous improvement of ULGUE. Full article

Land serves as a crucial repository of resource elements, and enhancing the green use efficiency of urban land (GUEUL) is essential for attaining sustainable development. Based on 296 cities in China from 2006 to 2022, this study explored the relationship between land system innovation and GUEUL by integrating multi-source data, ArcGIS analysis, the EBM-DEA model, and the DID model, and elucidating the temporal trend and spatial utilization characteristics of GUEUL in China. Based on the natural experimental scenario of the pilot reform of China’s urban construction land use approval system, this study finds through in-depth analysis of the double-difference model that the vertical transfer of land approval authority has fundamentally optimized the development pattern of GUEUL, and that this positive impact is mainly reflected in two dimensions: on the one hand, it reduces the systematic transaction costs, and on the other hand, it enhances the density of industrial spatial agglomeration. Second, the lower the initial level of infrastructure and the lower the degree of dependence on land finance, the more significant the decentralization of land approval power in the promotion of GUEUL. Currently, China is undergoing a swift phase of urbanization and industrialization, and this study provides policy support for improving the comprehensive efficiency of green land use and promoting high-quality and sustainable development of the region. Full article

China’s unique economic growth target system exerts significant economic growth pressure (EGP) on local officials, leading to notable economic and environmental consequences for urban land use. Consequently, this system is theoretically expected to have a significant impact on urban land green utilization efficiency (ULGUE). This study investigates the invisible institutional factors that shape ULGUE within China’s distinct economic growth target system. The results indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between EGP and ULGUE, and this nonlinear relationship is statistically significant in central, western, and northeastern cities but not in eastern cities. EGP influences ULGUE in a non-monotonic manner by affecting land marketization, green technology innovation, and industrial structure upgrading. Furthermore, environmental regulation and financial technology investment moderate the relationship between EGP and ULGUE. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the inverted U-shaped relationship is more pronounced in resource-dependent cities and cities with stringent target constraints. This study contributes empirical evidence on the interaction between EGP and ULGUE while offering both theoretical insights and practical implications. Full article

China is at a critical stage in addressing environmental issues and achieving sustainable development. To effectively promote environmental protection and the construction of an ecological civilization, government policy support has become essential. Accurately assessing the impact of green fiscal policy (GFP) on urban land green utilization efficiency (LGUE) is significant for achieving a “win–win” situation between economic development and environmental protection and for implementing a green and low-carbon path. This study evaluates the LGUE improvement effect of GFP using the DID method with the panel data of 270 cities in China from 2008 to 2019. We find that the GFP significantly improves the urban LGUE level. The mechanism analysis shows that the GFP improves LGUE through green technological innovation, industrial structure upgrading, and environmental regulation intensity. The heterogeneity analysis shows that the LGUE improvement effect of GFP is stronger for eastern cities and non-resource-based cities. This study has important theoretical and practical significance for coordinating green fiscal policies and deepening the promotion of the sustainable use of land resources. Full article