Research

15 pages, 344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Effects of China’s Export Trade to the Countries along Belt and Road: An Empirical Evidence Based on Inter-Provincial Panel Data

by Juan Huang, Kai Zhang, Hui Zhao, Rong Fu and Zhiguo Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4698; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064698 - 07 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1500

Abstract

There is a close inherent connection between manufacturing exports and environmental pollution. With the continuous growth of China’s export trade to the countries along Belt and Road, the resulting environmental problems have also received much attention. This paper first analyzes the environmental impact [...] Read more.

There is a close inherent connection between manufacturing exports and environmental pollution. With the continuous growth of China’s export trade to the countries along Belt and Road, the resulting environmental problems have also received much attention. This paper first analyzes the environmental impact mechanism of China’s export trade to the countries along Belt and Road. Then based on the dynamic panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2013 to 2019, we use the SYS-GMM method to make an empirical test from national and regional perspectives and analyze the environmental effects of China’s export trade to the countries along Belt and Road. The results show that the environmental effects of export trade are significantly heterogeneous in different regions. In general, export trade has a significant positive scale effect on CO₂ emissions; the negative effect of environmental regulation on CO₂ emissions can effectively offset the positive effect caused by the growth of output in the capital-intensive sector, and the composition effect is generally negative; the technical effect of China’s export trade to the countries along Belt and Road mainly depends on the technological-independent innovation, which is caused by the domestic investment in science and technology, so the overall technical effects are negative. Therefore, China should optimize the structure of export trade, promote technological innovation, and cultivate green advantage industries by increasing investment in scientific research and development; implement a gradient environmental regulation policy; and improve the quality and level of foreign direct investment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

25 pages, 5942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Sustainable Renewal of Architectural Heritage Sites from the Perspective of Extenics—Using the Example of Tulou Renovations in LantianVillage, Longyan City

by Xianli You, Yanqin Zhang, Zhigang Tu, Linxin Xu, Liyi Li, Rong Lin, Kaida Chen, Shunhe Chen and Wei Ren

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4378; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054378 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1517

Abstract

Fujian Tulous in China are important international architectural heritage sites that reflect precious human cultural heritage. Currently, only a small number of Tulou buildings have been listed as world cultural heritage sites, resulting in a lack of attention and financial support for most [...] Read more.

Fujian Tulous in China are important international architectural heritage sites that reflect precious human cultural heritage. Currently, only a small number of Tulou buildings have been listed as world cultural heritage sites, resulting in a lack of attention and financial support for most Tulou buildings. Thus, it is difficult to effectively renovate and repair Tulou buildings to adapt to modern life, and therefore they are facing the severe challenge of abandonment and desolation. Due to the special conditions of Tulou buildings, there are significant limitations in renovation and repair work, with a number of problems such as the lack of innovative renovations. Therefore, through a problem model analysis of a design system for Tulou renovations, in this study, we adopt the methods of divergent tree, conjugate pair, correlative net, implied system, and split-merge chain analyses in extenics to carry out extension transformation and solve the problem and we verify its feasibility using the example of the Tulou renovation projects in Lantian Village, Longyan City. We explore an innovative methodology for scientific renovation of Tulou buildings, and we establish a design system for Tulou building renovations that enriches and supplements original renovation methods; thus, we provide a basis for the repair and reuse of Tulou buildings, to extend their service life and to realize the sustainable development of Tulou buildings. The research results show that extenics can be implemented in innovative renovations of Tulou buildings, and it is concluded that the essence of achieving sustainable renewal in Tulou building renovations is to solve contradictory problems, including contradictions in conditions, objectives, and design. This study verifies the possibility of applying extenics in the design of Tulou building renovations, makes corresponding contributions to the application of extension methods in the renovation and renewal of Tulou buildings, and also contributes to the renovation, renewal, and protection of other types of architectural heritage sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

80 pages, 90620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent Generation Method and Sustainable Application of Road Systems in Urban Green Spaces: Taking Jiangnan Gardens as an Example

by Lina Yan, Yile Chen, Liang Zheng, Yi Zhang, Xiao Liang and Chun Zhu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043158 - 10 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1570

Abstract

This paper takes the garden road system as the research object and proposes a method of generating paths for classical gardens based on parametric design. Firstly, by studying the distribution characteristics of roads, the data on the curvature, angle, and view area of [...] Read more.

This paper takes the garden road system as the research object and proposes a method of generating paths for classical gardens based on parametric design. Firstly, by studying the distribution characteristics of roads, the data on the curvature, angle, and view area of roads were collected. Secondly, the obtained data were transferred to the parameterized platform, and a method of intelligent generation was used for calculation. Finally, the road system was optimized by the genetic algorithm for better application in modern landscape design. According to the current situation, the road system plan generated by the algorithm inherits the characteristics of classical garden roads. This method can be applied to the courtyard, the community park, the urban park, and other objects. This research not only identifies the characteristics of landscape cultural heritage, but also produces an innovative, intelligent design tool. It provides new methods for the parameterized inheritance and application of traditional landscape heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 29194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do We Need Public Green Spaces Accessibility Standards for the Sustainable Development of Urban Settlements? The Evidence from Wrocław, Poland

by Justyna Rubaszek, Janusz Gubański and Anna Podolska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3067; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043067 - 09 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1586

Abstract

Public green spaces (PGSs) have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of urban residents. However, their accessibility can be limited due to high urbanisation pressures and inadequate or insufficient regulatory provisions. This problem has been recognised for Central European cities, of [...] Read more.

Public green spaces (PGSs) have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of urban residents. However, their accessibility can be limited due to high urbanisation pressures and inadequate or insufficient regulatory provisions. This problem has been recognised for Central European cities, of which Wrocław is an example, where the provision of PGS accessibility has not received major attention in recent decades, and the planning system has been in constant transformation since the transition from a centrally planned to a free-market economy. This study therefore aimed to examine the distribution and accessibility of PGSs in the expanding area of Wrocław today and upon implementation of the plans under the proposed standards. These analyses were performed using the QGIS application, network analysis, and the ISO-Area as polygon algorithm. The findings revealed a conspicuous lack of available PGSs, which includes areas above 2 ha, such as district and neighbourhood parks. New PGSs are now being planned, but even so, part of the residential areas will remain outside their catchment zone. The results obtained provide strong evidence that it is essential that standards should be a tool implemented in urban planning, and that the adopted procedure can be transferred to other cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Variations and Influencing Factors of Country-Level Carbon Emissions for Northeast China Based on VIIRS Nighttime Lighting Data

by Gang Xu, Tianyi Zeng, Hong Jin, Cong Xu and Ziqi Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010829 - 01 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1661

Abstract

This paper constructs a county-level carbon emission inversion model in Northeast China. We first fit the nighttime light data of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) with local energy consumption statistics and carbon emissions data. We analyze the temporal and spatial characteristics [...] Read more.

This paper constructs a county-level carbon emission inversion model in Northeast China. We first fit the nighttime light data of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) with local energy consumption statistics and carbon emissions data. We analyze the temporal and spatial characteristics of county-level energy-related carbon emissions in Northeast China from 2012 to 2020. At the same time, we use the geographic detector method to analyze the impact of various socio-economic factors on county carbon emissions under the single effect and interaction. The main results are as follows: (1) The county-level carbon emission model in Northeast China is relatively more accurate. The regression coefficient is 0.1217 and the determination coefficient R² of the regression equation is 0.7722. More than 80% of the provinces have an error of less than 25%, meeting the estimation accuracy requirements. (2) From 2012 to 2020, the carbon emissions of county-level towns in Northeast China showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing from 461.1159 million tons in 2012 to 405.752 million tons in 2020. It reached a peak of 486.325 million tons in 2014. (3) The regions with higher carbon emission growth rates are concentrated in the northern and coastal areas of Northeast China. The areas with low carbon emission growth rates are mainly distributed in some underdeveloped areas in the south and north in Northeast China. (4) Under the effect of the single factor urbanization rate, the added values of the secondary industry and public finance income have higher explanatory power to regional emissions. These factors promote the increase of county carbon emissions. When fiscal revenue and expenditure and the added value of the secondary industry and per capita GDP interact with the urbanization rate, respectively, the explanatory power of these factors on regional carbon emissions will be enhanced and the promotion of carbon emissions will be strengthened. The research results are helpful for exploring the changing rules and influencing factors of county carbon emissions in Northeast China and for providing data support for low-carbon development and decision making in Northeast China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementing Climate Change Adaptation in Territory Spatial Planning Systems: Challenges and Approaches Based on Practices in Guiyang

by Li Zong, Fan Yang and Xinsheng Pei

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010490 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1769

Abstract

Integrating climate change adaptation into spatial planning has become a global goal in the field of spatial planning. Despite the various relevant policies proposed by governments, there is still a lack of common practice in the field of climate change research and territory [...] Read more.

Integrating climate change adaptation into spatial planning has become a global goal in the field of spatial planning. Despite the various relevant policies proposed by governments, there is still a lack of common practice in the field of climate change research and territory spatial planning preparation and research in China. In this study, climate change adaptation planning in the territory spatial planning system (TSPS), based upon risk assessment, is explored using downscaled climate change prediction data (derived from CMIP5) and prefectural master territory spatial planning (MTSP) data from Guiyang. The study found that such practices, despite their feasibility, still face systemic challenges given the current planning system in China, e.g., the deficiency of climate change impact data and analyses, the absence of essential planning tools, and the unsuitability of the current planning system for the integration of adaptation actions. We propose corresponding approaches based on our empirical planning experience and discuss prospects for relevant research and planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tourist Landscape Preferences in a Historic Block Based on Spatiotemporal Big Data—A Case Study of Fuzhou, China

by Fan Liu, Danmei Sun, Yanqin Zhang, Shaoping Hong, Minhua Wang, Jianwen Dong, Chen Yan and Qin Yang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010083 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1554

Abstract

Historic blocks are valuable architectural and landscape heritage, and it is important to explore the distribution characteristics of tourists to historic blocks and their landscape preferences to realize the scientific construction and conservation of historic blocks and promote their sustainable development. At present, [...] Read more.

Historic blocks are valuable architectural and landscape heritage, and it is important to explore the distribution characteristics of tourists to historic blocks and their landscape preferences to realize the scientific construction and conservation of historic blocks and promote their sustainable development. At present, few studies combine the analysis of tourist distribution characteristics with landscape preferences. This study takes the historic block of Three Lanes and Seven Alleys in Fuzhou as an example, combines field research and questionnaires to construct a landscape preference evaluation indicator system for the historic block, measures the distribution characteristics of tourists in the block through the heat value of tourist flow obtained from the Tencent regional heat map, and analyses the influence of landscape preference indicators on the heat value of tourist flow in the block through stepwise multiple linear regression. The research shows that: (1) the spatial and temporal variation in the heat value of tourist flow tends to be consistent throughout the block, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., showing a “rising, slightly fluctuating and then stabilizing” state, both on weekdays and on weekends. (2) The factors influencing the heat value of tourist flow in the different spatial samples are various, with commercial atmosphere, plant landscape, accessibility of the road space, architecture, and the surrounding environment having a significant impact on the heat value of tourist flow. Based on the analysis of the landscape preferences of tourists in the historic block, a landscape optimization strategy is proposed to provide a reference for the management and construction of the block. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 8934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship, Discourse and Construction: The Power Process and Environmental Impact of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces as a World Heritage Site

by Honglian Hua, Yikun Wang, Zhiqiang Ding, Hua Liu, Shangyi Zhou and Yuli Liu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 17100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192417100 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1672

Abstract

The coexistence of conservation and degradation is a challenge for protected areas, and unequal political and social power is the mechanism underlying this conservation paradox. The World Heritage site of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (HHRT) has important natural and cultural value, but [...] Read more.

The coexistence of conservation and degradation is a challenge for protected areas, and unequal political and social power is the mechanism underlying this conservation paradox. The World Heritage site of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (HHRT) has important natural and cultural value, but despite the enormous investment in protecting the site, the rice terraces continue to degrade, and much of the degradation has been unexpected. This study attempts to reveal the mechanism of these unintended protection outputs from the perspective of power relations. After reviewing the literature on the political ecology of protected areas, this study further considers the conceptual framework of power in view of the ambiguity of the concept and integrates the themes from research on protected areas into the power analysis framework of political ecology. Three aspects of the power process and environmental impact of heritage sites are analyzed: the actor network, conservation discourse and natural reconstruction. The results reveal that power among actors in the HHRT has changed over the course of continuous interaction, power has been produced and re-established in different relational networks, and the exercise of power has changed and reshaped the natural environment of the heritage site through a series of spatial planning decisions. Conservation discourse related to heritage is an important way for actors to establish and exercise power. However, due to spatial differences in the allocation of power, local development opportunities are unbalanced. In this unbalanced relationship, in order to maintain or strive for development opportunities and achieve economic development, residents of the HHRT have reshaped the natural environment by changing their farming methods and traditional planting methods, posing a potential threat to the sustainable development of the heritage site. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation and Analysis of Design Elements for Sustainable Renewal of Urban Vulnerable Spaces

by Changzheng Gao, Juepin Hou, Yanchen Ma and Jianxin Yang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416562 - 09 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1494

Abstract

The sustainable renewal design of urban vulnerable spaces is critical for urban space quality improvement. Taking Zhengzhou and surrounding cities as examples, a cognitive framework of urban vulnerable spaces is constructed. The three types of urban vulnerable spaces are vulnerable population, vulnerable cultural, [...] Read more.

The sustainable renewal design of urban vulnerable spaces is critical for urban space quality improvement. Taking Zhengzhou and surrounding cities as examples, a cognitive framework of urban vulnerable spaces is constructed. The three types of urban vulnerable spaces are vulnerable population, vulnerable cultural, and vulnerable forgotten spaces. Their sustainable renewal design elements comprise multidimensional factors, such as functional requirement, space organization, activity facility, urban context continuation, and material texture. The design elements for the sustainable update of urban vulnerable spaces are evaluated by grey relation analysis (GRA), and update strategies are proposed. The result shows that (1) vulnerable population spaces were shown to have the highest sensitivity to functional requirements and activity facility design elements, while vulnerable cultural spaces have high relevance to urban context continuation and functional requirement design elements. Furthermore, space organization, activity facility, and urban context continuation design elements all show high relevance and importance in vulnerable forgotten spaces. (2) The update of vulnerable population spaces should be designed to achieve functional communion; vulnerable cultural spaces can be reshaped through urban context implantation, and vulnerable forgotten spaces can use space creation to enhance ecological space continuity, achieving sustainable renewal. The study provides a reference for decision-making for improving urban vulnerable habitats and the sustainable renewal design of atypical urban space types. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Statistical Measurements and Club Effects of High-Quality Development in Chinese Manufacturing

by Chunyan Lin and Wen Qiao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 16228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316228 - 04 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1157

Abstract

Advanced manufacturing is the pillar for building a modern economic system. We measured the level of high-quality development of manufacturing (HQDM) in China, and found that it has gone through the three stages of expansion, cultivation, and promotion. Spatially, it is characterized as [...] Read more.

Advanced manufacturing is the pillar for building a modern economic system. We measured the level of high-quality development of manufacturing (HQDM) in China, and found that it has gone through the three stages of expansion, cultivation, and promotion. Spatially, it is characterized as “high in the east, low in the west” and “fast in the west, slow in the east”, and presents non-equilibrium characteristics. To overcome the subjective bias introduced by artificially set clubs, we utilize a data-driven nonlinear time-varying factor model for clustering into four convergent clubs, where provinces with higher intensity of environmental regulation and environmental preference tend to move closer to the clubs with a higher level of HQDM. We reveal the convergence patterns and regional differences in HQDM, which provides a new perspective for determining the trends of high-quality manufacturing development, thus allowing for policy recommendations targeted at narrowing the manufacturing development gap. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 9317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Vitality Evaluation of Parks and Squares in Medium-Sized Chinese Cities from the Perspective of Urban Functional Areas

by Tongwen Wang, Ya Li, Haidong Li, Shuaijun Chen, Hongkai Li and Yunxing Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15238; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215238 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1833

Abstract

Medium-sized cities are increasingly committed to the planning and construction of urban public spaces to meet people’s demand for high-quality urban life. Parks and squares are important parts of urban public spaces, and their vitality represents the quality of public spaces to a [...] Read more.

Medium-sized cities are increasingly committed to the planning and construction of urban public spaces to meet people’s demand for high-quality urban life. Parks and squares are important parts of urban public spaces, and their vitality represents the quality of public spaces to a certain extent and reflects the happiness index of urban residents. At present, the functional areas and transportation networks of medium-sized cities are still developing. Due to the influence of urban construction, the planning of parks and squares in medium-sized cities has not yet caught up to that in larger cities. This study analyzed a medium-sized city, Jiaozuo, as an example, with the help of point of interest (POI) data, OpenStreetMap road network density data and WorldPop population data. The vitality of parks and squares in different functional spaces in the main urban area in Jiaozuo was quantitatively evaluated in terms of the four following aspects: urban space functional area characteristics, travel vitality index of urban residents, park and square attractiveness and the regional service levels of parks and squares. The effects of functional mixing, traffic network density, population density and spatial distribution on the vitality of parks and squares in medium-sized cities were also studied. The results showed that (1) the functional mixing in the main urban area in Jiaozuo was characterized by a spatial distribution of high in the center and low in the surrounding areas, with the highest functional mixing in the central part of the Jiefang District; (2) the travel dynamics of urban residents were characterized by a clear development of concentric circles radiating in a circular pattern; (3) the levels of service in parks and squares were particularly high in Jiefang District, with a spatial distribution of Jiefang District > Shanyang District > Macun District > Zhongzhan District; (4) under the condition that the service levels of each district were the same, the vitality values of the existing parks and squares in each district were compared and, from high to low, were Jiefang District (1.0–3.5), Shanyang District (0.2–2.0), Macun District (0–1.4) and Zhongzhan District (0–1.2). Functional mixing, road networks and population density had significant impacts on the vitality of parks and squares. Based on our study on the division of urban functional areas, we expanded the study to include urban microspaces. By evaluating the vitality of existing parks and squares and analyzing the influencing factors of spatial vitality, we found that it would be helpful to adopt targeted strategies to improve spatial vitality. Considering the spatial layouts of parks and squares, planning and constructing high-vitality parks and squares would be conducive to the future development of medium-sized cities. The existence of high-vitality spaces could also help to realize the sustainable development of cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Environmental Regulation, Industrial Structure, and Interaction on the High-Quality Development Efficiency of the Yellow River Basin in China from the Perspective of the Threshold Effect

by Xiaoyan Li, Yaxin Tan and Kang Tian

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214670 - 08 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1300

Abstract

High-quality development efficiency can comprehensively measure the development quality of a region. This study constructed the SE-SBM Model and measured the quality development efficiency of the Yellow River Basin from 2010 to 2019. In panel regression, the periodic effects of industrial structure, environmental [...] Read more.

High-quality development efficiency can comprehensively measure the development quality of a region. This study constructed the SE-SBM Model and measured the quality development efficiency of the Yellow River Basin from 2010 to 2019. In panel regression, the periodic effects of industrial structure, environmental regulation, and their interaction terms on the efficiency of high-quality development are analyzed. From the perspective of the threshold effect, we explore the possible threshold of interaction to change the efficiency of high-quality development. The results show: (1) From 2010 to 2019, the high-quality development efficiency of the Yellow River Basin’s watershed segment showed a gradient development trend. (2) In panel regression, the interaction terms positively impact the whole basin’s high-quality development efficiency. However, for different sub-basins, the impact of the core explanatory variable on the efficiency of high-quality development is different. (3) The Yellow River basin has a single significant threshold in the threshold regression. From the perspective of the sub-basin, the upper and lower reaches of the Yellow River have a single significant threshold. There is no threshold in midstream. Based on the research results, the article puts forward relevant suggestions, such as reasonably improving regional imports and exports and introducing high-quality foreign capital, which can provide a basis for relevant departments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Environmental Regulations on Export Trade—Empirical Analysis Based on Zhejiang Province

by Juan Huang and Ziyi Wu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912569 - 01 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1757

Abstract

There is a close connection between export trade and environmental regulations. How to realize the green development of export trade under the constraint of environmental regulation policy is a controversial topic in both theoretical research and practice. Considering the leading role of Zhejiang [...] Read more.

There is a close connection between export trade and environmental regulations. How to realize the green development of export trade under the constraint of environmental regulation policy is a controversial topic in both theoretical research and practice. Considering the leading role of Zhejiang export trade in China, based on the extended gravity model, this paper attempts to explore the impact of environmental regulations on export trade using the panel data of Zhejiang Province together with that of 18 major “Belt and Road” trading countries (regions) from 2004 to 2016. It provides a theoretical basis for promoting the coordinated development of environmental protection and export trade. This not only has theoretical and practical significance for various regions in China but also for other countries and regions in the world when formulating environmental regulation standards and implementation intensity. The empirical results show that there is a U-shaped relationship between environmental regulations and the development of export trade; namely, the former suppresses the latter before promotion happens. Specifically, environmental regulation could increase the cost of export products and curb the development of export trade in the short term. On the other hand, it encourages enterprises to carry out technological innovation and improve efficiency and competitiveness, thus contributing to the development of export trade in the long term. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

25 pages, 58418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Did the Built Environment Affect Urban Vibrancy? A Big Data Approach to Post-Disaster Revitalization Assessment

by Hongyu Gong, Xiaozihan Wang, Zihao Wang, Ziyi Liu, Qiushan Li and Yunhan Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12178; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912178 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1739

Abstract

Quantitative assessment of urban vibrancy is crucial to understanding urban development and promoting sustainability, especially for rapidly developing areas and regions that have experienced post-disaster reconstruction. Taking Dujiangyan City, the hardest-hit area of the earthquake, as an example, this paper quantifies the urban [...] Read more.

Quantitative assessment of urban vibrancy is crucial to understanding urban development and promoting sustainability, especially for rapidly developing areas and regions that have experienced post-disaster reconstruction. Taking Dujiangyan City, the hardest-hit area of the earthquake, as an example, this paper quantifies the urban economic, social, and cultural vibrancy after reconstruction by the use of multi-source data, and conducts a geographic visualization analysis. The purpose is to establish an evaluation framework for the relationship between the urban built environment elements and vibrancy in different dimensions, to evaluate the benefits of post-disaster restoration and reconstruction. The results show that the urban vibrancy reflected by classified big data can not be completely matched due to the difference in the data generation and collection process. The Criteria Importance Though Inter-criteria Correlation and entropy (CRITIC-entropy) method is used to construct a comprehensive model is a better representation of the urban vibrancy spatial characteristics. On a global scale, comprehensive vibrancy demonstrates high continuity and a bi-center structure. In the old town, the distribution of various urban vibrancies show diffusion characteristics, while those in the new district demonstrated a high degree of aggregation, and the comprehensive vibrancy is less sensitive to land-use mixture and more sensitive to residential land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban–Rural Fringe Long-Term Sequence Monitoring Based on a Comparative Study on DMSP-OLS and NPP-VIIRS Nighttime Light Data: A Case Study of Shenyang, China

by Tianyi Zeng, Hong Jin, Zhifei Geng, Zihang Kang and Zichen Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11835; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811835 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2083

Abstract

Urban–rural fringes, as special zones where urban and rural areas meet, are the most sensitive areas in the urbanization process. The quantitative identification of urban–rural fringes is the basis for studying the social structure, landscape pattern, and development gradient of fringes, and is [...] Read more.

Urban–rural fringes, as special zones where urban and rural areas meet, are the most sensitive areas in the urbanization process. The quantitative identification of urban–rural fringes is the basis for studying the social structure, landscape pattern, and development gradient of fringes, and is also a prerequisite for quantitative analyses of the ecological effects of urbanization. However, few studies have been conducted to compare the identification accuracy of The US Air Force Defence Meteorological Satellite Program’s (DMSP) and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) nighttime light data from the same year, subsequently enabling long time series monitoring of the urban–rural fringe. Therefore, in this study, taking Shenyang as an example, a K-means algorithm was used to delineate and compare the urban–rural fringe identification results of DMSP and VIIRS nighttime light data for 2013 and analyzed the changes between 2013 and 2020. The results of the study showed a high degree of overlap between the two types of data in 2013, with the overlap accounting for 75% of the VIIRS data identification results. Furthermore, the VIIRS identified more urban and rural details than the DMSP data. The area of the urban–rural fringe in Shenyang increased from 1872 km² to 2537 km², with the growth direction mainly concentrated in the southwest. This study helps to promote the study of urban–rural fringe identification from static identification to dynamic tracking, and from spatial identification to temporal identification. The research results can be applied to the comparative analysis of urban–rural differences and the study of the ecological and environmental effects of urbanization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 4500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Differences in Economic Security of the Prefecture-Level Cities in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Region of China: Based on a Triple-Dimension Analytical Framework of Economic Geography

by Huasheng Zhu, Duer Su and Fei Yao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710605 - 25 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1579

Abstract

The assessment of regional economic security (RES) is mainly based on the theoretical ideas of political economy and marginalism, and the research areas are mainly concentrated in European and American countries/regions, especially Eastern Europe. Taking the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China as an example, [...] Read more.

The assessment of regional economic security (RES) is mainly based on the theoretical ideas of political economy and marginalism, and the research areas are mainly concentrated in European and American countries/regions, especially Eastern Europe. Taking the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China as an example, this paper constructs a triple-dimensional analytical framework, resources, and environmental–economic foundation-driving forces, based on the institutional approach of economic geography, with the purpose of making up for the deficiency of the extant literature, which pays little attention to regional characteristics and the dynamic mechanism concerning RES, and to provide a tool to identify key factors affecting RES. This paper obtained the main conclusions as follows. (1) The index of the economic security in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is on the rise, and the difference at the level of RES among cities is significant but tends to decrease. (2) There is a significant spatial autocorrelation among cities in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in terms of RES. The high-value areas are concentrated along the southeast edge, and the low-value areas are concentrated in the central areas of the west. (3) Despite lower weight values, the weakness of the economic foundation and the fragility of the ecological environment has increasingly hampered the improvement of the economic security in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In terms of driving forces, it is the support of the central government and aid programs of other provinces that contributes to its economic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Scale Influencing Factors and Prediction Analysis: Dongxing Port–City Relationship

by Bin Wu, Guanhai Gu, Wenzhu Zhang, Liguo Zhang, Rucheng Lu, Caiping Pang, Jixian Huang and Hongxin Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9068; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159068 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1481

Abstract

This study calculates the dynamic concentration index, explores the evolution of the relationship between the Dongxing port and city, and predicts its future. The results indicate that the relationship between the port and city has three development stages, namely the low-level balanced development [...] Read more.

This study calculates the dynamic concentration index, explores the evolution of the relationship between the Dongxing port and city, and predicts its future. The results indicate that the relationship between the port and city has three development stages, namely the low-level balanced development stage (2001–2008), the port development stage (2009–2014), and the urban development stage (2015–2019). Based on the country (China and Vietnam), province (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), district (Fangchenggang City), county (Dongxing City), and individual (resident) levels, a multi-scale index system of influencing factors was developed. The impulse response function model analyzed the influential factors in the relationship between port and city development. The influence is as follows: country (China) > country (Vietnam) > county > individual > city > province. Finally, the relationship between port and city development was predicted using an auto-regression differential moving average model. It is expected that Dongxing City will gradually transition from a port- and city-dominated stage to a new stage of coordinated development. Thus, by improving the proportion of the secondary and tertiary industries, managing the population density, introducing foreign capital, enhancing the innovation level, and improving the traffic facilities, high-quality development in Dongxing port–city can be achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 9163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Locational Preference of Urban Activities with the Time-Dependent Accessibility Using Integrated Spatial Economic Models

by Asif Raza, Ming Zhong and Muhammad Safdar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8317; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148317 - 07 Jul 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2317

Abstract

In recent years, accessibility has been considered a vital policy objective in the development of a sustainable transportation system. Accessibility can make a significant contribution to quality of life. The accessibility of desirable locations, such as households and commercial locations, is usually underpinned [...] Read more.

In recent years, accessibility has been considered a vital policy objective in the development of a sustainable transportation system. Accessibility can make a significant contribution to quality of life. The accessibility of desirable locations, such as households and commercial locations, is usually underpinned by land use patterns and transportation infrastructure. The accessibility of different activities is largely determined by the spatial distribution of activities and associated transport networks in a metropolitan area. In order to examine how location choice behaviors of urban activities influence urban forms and land use patterns, accessibility has been used extensively to consider the impact of both the spatial distribution of opportunities (e.g., employment or services) and the transport cost of reaching them. However, in most cases, only those static/aggregate accessibility terms that are represented by the “logsum” of all available transport modes have traditionally been used in urban transport planning and modeling analysis. In this study, according to urban activities, several Integrated Spatial Economic (ISE) models i.e., PECAS (Production, Exchange, Consumption, Allocation, System) models were developed to study the relationship between dynamic, Time-Dependent Accessibility (TDA) and the location choice behavior of urban activities in the City of Wuhan, China. The developed models were then used as tools to investigate the impact of dynamic/disaggregate short-term TDA on location choice behaviors of various urban activities such as households and commercial. Regarding the household location choice, the ISE modeling results revealed that urban households living in the downtown area of the City of Wuhan were sensitive to TDA to employment centers, especially during the morning peak time. In addition, commercial services prefer locations that offer a high level of accessibility during off-peak times. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that planning exercises, such as the development of zoning and the allocation of urban activities and public facilities, pay more attention to dynamic, short-term TDA, which is essential for urban sectors to carry out daily activities, than their static, composite accessibility counterparts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Urban Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (18 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI