Showing papers in "Chinese journal of population, resources and environment in 2012"

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies in Kenya

Abstract: To determine the climate changes that are due to natural variability and those due to human activities is quite challenging, just like delineating the impacts. Moreover, it is equally difficult to ascertain the adaptive strategies for coping with the climate changes and in particular for developing countries like Kenya. While climate change is a global phenomenon, the impacts are more or less specific to local areas such as observed in Kenyan case. Therefore climate change impacts adaptation strategies are appropriately applicable to a given local perspective. The study investigated the main indicators of climate change and effective adaptive strategies that can be employed in Kenya. Based on online questionnaire survey, the study established unpredictable rainfall patterns as the major indicator of climate change in the country, while water harvesting and change of cropping methods are the best adaptive strategies.

Benefits and Challenges of Urban Green Spaces

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to illustrate the benefits, and challenges towards providing multifunctional urban green spaces. The results are based on critical analysis of study findings from different cities in Europe, America and to a lesser extent in Asia. Inner-city green spaces are especially important for improving air quality through uptake of pollutant gases and particulates which are responsible for respiratory infections. Due to their amenity and aesthetics, green spaces increase property value. To ensure multifunctional role of urban a green space is achieved, in particular the social and psychological role, certain standards of quantity, quality and distribution within the urban area should be adequately established. Green spaces need to be uniformly distributed throughout the city area, although each does not need to be extremely large but should be large enough to accommodate the city population.

An Analysis on the Spatial Distribution of Population Aging Pressure in China

Abstract: Based on comprehensive analysis of the impact of population aging to social and economic development, a comprehensive evaluation system including 18 indexes was constructed for evaluating regional pressure of population aging on social and economic development. Using statistics data of 31 regions in China from 2004 to 2008, the pressure of population aging on social and economic development, was comprehensively evaluated by using the factor analysis method. The spatial distribution of population aging in China was also analyzed. This study is to provide scientific basis for government to make strategies of coping with population aging according to regional pressure of population aging on social and economic development in China.

Population Growth, Available Resources, and Quality of Life: China’s Post-Reform Economic Development

Abstract: Two opposing intellectual traditions and their contem- porary developments regarding the relations among population, available resources, and quality of life as reflected in economic growth are reviewed. What is at issue is whether population growth is detrimental to or beneficial for economic development. Neither of the extreme views gives a complete picture of the interplay among population, resources, and quality of life. Following previ- ous literature on the topic, this paper establishes a more balanced approach that considers the function linking population and quality of life not constant but variable and regards the limitedness of resources as not absolute but relative to regions and societies. The proposed approach is more flexible in better explaining the relation between population and economic growth. China is examined as a case in point to shed light on the interaction of population growth, economic development, and available resources, and its recent post-economic reform experiences showcase the appropriateness of the synthetic approach.

Impact of Climate Change on Urban Agglomerations in China＇s Coastal Region

Abstract: Climate change and urbanization issues are the two key factors that make humans liable to be affected by disasters, which are overlapped in urban agglomeration. The five big urban agglom- erations of China with strong economic power are the important engines for national economic and social development. However, being in the sea-land mutual interaction belts with a vast hazard- bearing body, they are affected by sea-land compound disasters, and are liable to suffer heavy disaster losses with climate change. It is suggested that government departments concerned should fully recognize the impact of climate change on coastal urban ag- glomerations, propose strategies as soon as possible, and integrate the impact of climate change and adaptation countermeasures into the various kinds of social-economic development plans for coastal urban regions.

Decomposition of Energy-related CO2 Emissions from Shanghai’s Industries and Policy Implications

Abstract: This paper quantifies a decomposition analysis of energy-related CO2 emissions in the industrial sectors of Shanghai over the period 1994–2007. The Log-Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method is applied to this study in terms of six factors: labor force, labor mobility, gross labor productivity, energy intensity, fuel mix, and emission coefficient. In addition, the decoupling effect between industrial economic growth and CO2 emissions is analyzed to evaluate CO2 mitigation strategies for Shanghai. The results show that all labor productivity has the largest positive effect on CO2 emission changes in the industrial sectors, whereas labor mobility and energy intensity are the main components for decreasing CO2 emissions. Other factors have different effects on CO2 mitigation in different sub-periods. Although a relative decoupling of industrial CO2 emissions from the economic growth in Shanghai has been found, Shanghai should keep pace with the industrial CO2 emissions reduction by implementing low-carbon...

Environmental Effects on Rural-to-Urban Migration in China

Abstract: Migration process has become increasingly important in recent research on population and the environment. A majority of the existing migration and environment literature has focused on the environmental causes and determinants of migration. With the largest rural-to-urban migration flow in world history, and growing concerns about the environmental problems accompanying its fast economic development, China provides a particularly important case for migration and environment research. This paper reviews major migration theories and recent research on environmental effects on migration, with specific attention to the influences of environmental factors on rural-to-urban labor migration in China. A comprehensive multilevel conceptual framework is developed for studying the environmental causes of rural-to-urban migration in China. The effects of land resources on household labor migration decisions in rural China are explored to illustrate the application of this framework.

Review and Prospect of the UN Efforts for Sustainable Development

Abstract: The present paper reviews the UN important efforts to promote global sustainable development in the chronological order since UN Conference on Human Environment in 1972, and ana- lyzes the progress and gap. The results show that the UN system has made great efforts for global sustainable development since the UN Conference on Human Environment, especially since UN Conference on Environment and Development, promoted the for- mation of important consensus and multilateral internhtional con- ventions on many fields, boosted the development of partnership in the field of sustainable development, and accelerated actions for sustainable development of many countries and regions. However, at present, the progress made is still far below the level required, prominently reflected in the slow progress toward the millen-nium development goals, the difficulties in negotiations in the field of environment and development, insufficient fulfillment of international agreements and conventions, and undesirable effects of partnership in the field of sustainable development. Based on these, the paper puts forward four suggestions for UN Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012（Rio＋20）： （1） to revitalize the ＂spirit of Rio＂ and accelerate the implementation of existing politi- cal commitments; （2） to make new political commitments focusing on climate change and other major global challenges under the Rio principles; （3） to lay out a blueprint of green economy under the Rio principles; and （4） to promote South-South cooperation as the focus of international cooperation.

Population Distribution and Influencing Factors Based on ESDA

Abstract: Based on the exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) technique and geographic information system (GIS) platform, with statistic data of counties in 2005, this paper confirms that there is a large population density gap between counties in 2005 because the Gini coefficient is 055 Population distribution does not change a lot during the past decades, and the southeast China is still much more densely populated than the northwest China The global spatial autocorrelation of population distribution is obvious because Moran’s I scores 042 and local spatial autocorrelation is partly significant Climate and elevation are still the main natural influencing factors Meanwhile industrial structure and transportation significantly influence population distribution Different combinations of natural factors have different effects on population distribution For a long term, climate and terrain factor stability affect population distribution But its influence will be weakened by progress of technology

Combining Stated Preference and Revealed Preference Methods for the Valuation of Non-market Goods

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce the combining stated preference and revealed preference methods which is the state-ofthe- art method for the valuation of non-market goods. Revealed preference methods and stated preference (SP) methods have both been applied by economists in valuing non-market goods; however both methods have inherent weaknesses. In order to exploit the strengths of the various approaches while minimizing their weaknesses, combining the two methods has become an important methodological option. Up to now, a growing number of literatures of studying combing the two types of data have evolved, and researchers developed three types of models to estimate combining revealed preference and stated preference data in academic fields: discrete choice model, continuous choice model and mixed choice model. Combining stated and revealed preference methods have been developed fast especially in the transport study field in which ideas could also be leant for environmental economic studies.

Research on Tourism Competitiveness of Chinese Island Counties: Based on Factor and Cluster Analysis

Abstract: From the perspective of tourism competitiveness, the paper takes 12 island counties of China as the research object, and applies the method of factor analysis to study their com- petitiveness. The result shows that Putuo and Dinghai are more competitive while Pingtan and Nan'ao are less competitive. Fi- nally, the 12 island counties are divided into four styles: first-class competitive county (Putuo), seond-class competitive counties (Dinghai,Yuhuan), third-class competitive counties (Chongming, Daishan, Changdao, Changhai and Shengsi), fourth-class competi- tive counties (Dongshan, Dongtou, Pingtan and Nan'ao) by cluster analysis. The classification of island counties is to clear their rela- tive position, then to promote their development.

Estimating Ecological Value of Small Hydropower Using Contingent Valuation Method: An Application to Tongjiqiao Reservoir in Zhejiang Province, China

Abstract: The small hydropower (SHP) will be less competitive in the absence of environmental value. The lack of information has become an important obstacle challenging decision-makers in resource-use choices. This paper is an application of contingent valuation method (CVM) in rural China to estimate the willingness- to-pay (WTP) for environmental services provided by exiting hydropower station. Using the single-bounded and dichotomouschoice CVM, the ecological value of Tongjiqiao Reservoir (TJQR) is estimated, and the annual mean WTPs of single-bounded and double-bounded CVM estimation are 141.05 and 219.52 Yuan (RMB)/a, respectively. The 95% confidence interval of annual WTP on an average is 118.47, 166.79 Yuan (RMB)/a and 204.41, 236.22 (Yuan RMB)/a, respectively. In contrast, double-bounded model could obtain much more information of WTP of the investigated, thus reducing the confidence interval of estimation, and enhancing the estimation accuracy of the WTP. According to the estimated mean WTP of th...

On Touristic Ecological Footprint of Macau

Abstract: Despite its tiny territory, Macau boasts a large volume of tourist activities, which serves as the pillar of its economy. Environment and natural resources are the cornerstone of tourism, but are also subject to the negative impact of tourism. Based on the theory and methodology of ecological footprint analysis, this paper calculated the touristic ecological footprint and deficit of Macau in 2009, in an effort to bring to light the current status of excessive consumption of resources by tourism. As the findings show, the non-transferable touristic ecological footprint and touristic ecological deficit of Macau in 2009 are respectively 18 300.891 gha and 12 737.584 gha, and the former is 3.29 times as large as the touristic ecological carrying capacity. Touristic ecological footprint of Macau is highly efficient in economic sense but currently tourism is developing in an unsustainable manner, so appropriate initiatives are in need to strike a balance between tourism development and resource conserv...

Evaluation and Trend Analysis of Surface Water Quality in Zhengzhou in 1998–2008

Abstract: Water pollution is one of the major environmental problems, especially in urban areas. Due to rapid urban expansion and industrialization, water pollution in Zhengzhou City, the capital of Henan Province in central China has become a serious problem for its development. In this study, the surface water quality was evaluated using Nemerow Comprehensive Pollution Index (NCPI), and the change trend was calculated using methods of Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator, based on the monitoring data from 1998 to 2008. The results show that the NCPI ranged from 3 to 50 in 70% of the monitoring cases, implying that most rivers were seriously polluted. However, this serious polltuon is expected to be gradually improved, as the concentration of water pollutants and NCPI declined significantly in most rivers. Water pollution in reservoirs was much lower than rivers, and the NCPI in the three monitored reservoirs was lower than 3 in most years, and shows a downward trend. Although the surface water qua...

Residents’ Attitude to Pay for Urban River Restoration: Empirical Evidence from Cities in Yangtze Delta

Abstract: Public willingness to pay (WTP) for urban rivers restoration was investigated in Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou in China with a sample of 1,285. The factors influencing positive WTP against zero WTP are analyzed using a binary logit model. The results indicate that income, Huji (residential registration) status, household size, home property ownership, riverfront access, and attitudes toward current water quality are statistically significant in the likelihood of positive WTP. It is also found that respondents without local Huji are less willingness to pay positively in pooled sample and Shanghai sample. In the group holding property right of house but without local Huji is less willingness to pay positively in Hangzhou. Respondents in Nanjing are more willingness to pay positively than those in Hangzhou. Most common arguments against to pay for the restoration are “government’s duty”, “low income”, “non-local-Huji” and “lack of trust in the government in how it spends money”. The results are gen...

China’s Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy: 2006–2010

Abstract: China achieved major progress in low-carbon development during the period of the 11th Five Year Plan (2006–2010). The increasing trend of energy intensity and carbon intensity of the economy as seen prior to 2005 was reversed to a sharp decreasing trend, leading to a 19% decrease in energy intensity and 21% decrease in carbon intensity in five years. The enhanced energy efficiency, mostly due to efficiency improvement in power and manufacturing sector, is the major driver of the decrease in carbon intensity of the economy. The development of renewable energy, despite its impressive growth rate, played a minor role because of its small share in the energy mix of the country. Energy consumption and energy-related carbon emissions per unit of area in building continued to grow at a lesser rate, which, combined with the fast growth of total building volume, led to fast growth in total energy consumption and carbon emissions in the sector. Similar trend is observed in the transportation sector whose t...

Effects of Permafrost Degradation on Soil Hydrological Processes in Alpine Steppe on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract: Permafrost degradation is prevalent on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This may lead to changes in water and heat transition in soils and thus affect the structure and function of ecosystems. In this paper, using the measured data of alpine steppe in Wudaoliang assessed the model performance in simulating soil freezing and thawing processes. Comparison of the simulated results by simultaneous heat and water (SHAW) model to the measured data showed that SHAW model performed satisfactorily. Based on analyzing the simulated and predicted results, two points were obtained: (1) freezing and thawing of the active layer proceeded both from the soil surface downward. Compared with the freezing process, the thawing process was slower. The freezing period persisted in the surface layer (4 cm depth) for about 5 months; (2) in the next 50 years, frozen period would be shorten about 20 days in the top 100 cm depth while the thawing would start earlier 40 days than present. Soil water storage in the 0–60 cm would d...

Global Major Progress and Trends in the Implementation of Agenda 21

Abstract: This paper summarizes, from a global perspective, the major progress in the implementation of the Agenda 21 since the UN Conference on Environment and Development. The results show that global economy has achieved a substantial growth, and positive progress has been made in poverty eradication, urban- ization, and conservation and intensive use of natural resources. However, relevant international conventions and commitments have not yet been completely fulfilled. The paper further analyzes the current major challenges and future trends of global sustainable development. It is argued that there are three major challenges： 1） fatal global environmental issues posing an increasing threat to human survival; 2） more and more severe global competition for developing spaces; and 3） issues highlighting global people＇s live- lihood. There are four trends of global sustainable development： 1） sustainable development will further turn from concept into global action; 2） green will be the main trend of global develop- ment; 3） emerging developing countries will become the main driving force of global sustainable development; and 4） interna- tional relations in the field of sustainable development will turn to competitive co-operation.

Reduction in the Water Level of Lake Victoria and Its Implications on Livelihoods in Rwanjaba Lakeshore Community, Uganda

Abstract: This paper examines the livelihood challenges experienced in Rwanjaba Lakeshore Community during the period of low water level in Lake Victoria between 2004 and 2007 and identifies the livelihood coping strategies that were adopted to address them. A total of 55 households were randomly sampled and the data collection methods included household questionnaires and participant observations. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and the results presented with the help of descriptive statistics. The livelihood challenges experienced during the low lake water level included fish shortage (34.5%), household food scarcity (23.6%), sex for fish (18.2%), family breakdown (12.7%), increased theft (7.2%) and accidents due to the exposed rocks in the lake (3.6%). The livelihood coping strategies adopted to redress the challenges included cainternatl labour (32.7%), maize roasting (23.6%), sand mining (18.2%), selling of snacks (12.7%), selling household property (9.1%...

Energy Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Potential of China’s Industrial Sector

Abstract: Based on the total-factor energy efficiency framework, this paper calculates China’s industrial energy efficiency and CO2 emissions reduction potential from 2000 to 2009 by utilizing the directional distance function and data envelopment analysis. The empirical results show that: China’s industrial overall energy efficiency is relatively lower while the emis-sions reduction potential is relatively greater, given the optimum production frontier. Significant indus-trial disparities of energy efficiency and emissions reduction potential exist. Energy efficiency and emis-sions reduction potential significantly show different tendencies of industrial dynamic variation. This paper suggests the Chinese government impose differential carbon taxes, flexibly utilize carbon market mecha- nism, strengthen energy-saving technological R&D, promote the utilization of renewable energy, and strengthen environmental supervision and regulation, so as to improve China’s industrial energy efficiency and reduce CO2 em...

Global Research Trends Related to CO2 Emissions and Their Enlightenment to China

Abstract: Given the growing awareness of the likely catastrophic impacts of climate change and close association of climate change with global emissions of greenhouse gases (of which carbon dioxide is more prominent), considerable research efforts have been devoted to the analysis of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and its relationship to sustainable development. Now GHG reduction programs have been coming into effect in many developed countries that have more responsibility for historical CO2 emissions, and the studies have become mature. First, the GHG emissions accounting system is more all-inclusive and the methods are more rational with the effort of IPCC from 1995 and all other researchers related. Second, the responsibility allocation is more rational and fair. Along with the clarity of “carbon transfer” and “carbon leakage”, the perspective and methodology for allocating regional CO2 emissions responsibility is turning from production base to consumption base. Third, the decomposition method has bec...

The Empirical Analysis of the Impacts of Income Distribution Gap on Consumption Demand: Based on the Statistic Data of Chinese Urban Residents in 2000–2010

Abstract: This paper analyzes the impact of income distribution gap on consumption demand from a theoretical view, and draws the conclusion that there is an inverse relationship between income distribution gap and consumption demand. Then, the paper finds that the existing widening income distribution gap in China has a negative impact on consumption demand, but this is not the key factor for the insufficient consumption demand because of the low level of per capital income. At last, it suggests that governments should improve the income level of entire residents and adjust in- come distribution structure simultaneously.

Discussion on the Mode of China’s Low-carbon Society and Construction Routes

Abstract: In responding to global climate change, the idea of low-carbon economy emerges as the times require. Developing low-carbon economy is based on the construction of low - carbon society. The so called “two-orientation society” (resources conservation orientated society and environmental friendly orientated society) is the concrete representation of low-carbon society with Chinese characteristics, and an actual action for China in developing low-carbon economy. Based on urban agglomeration, the paper discusses the meaning of and the route to low-carbon society which would better reflect the intrinsic requirements of such a society.

The Comparative Approach on Outdoor Leisure Behavior of Urban Elderly People： A Case Study in Beijing

Abstract: With the income increase of elderly people in Beijing and the improvement of leisure facilities since 2000, the quality of elderly people leisure life in Beijing has obviously increased com- pared to ten years ago. According to the investigation and com- parative analysis on more than 900 elderly people, who usually exercise in public parks in Beijing City, we have found out several new features of elderly people's outdoor recreation in Belting: the increase of the leisure time, the expansion of leisure space, the in- dividuation of interest and the diversification of consumption. The leisure life quality evaluation index system of urban elderly people can be built based on these analyses. In order to accommodate the development tendency of elderly people's demand for leisure diversification, we should strengthen the organization and manage- ment of elderly people's leisure activity in urban construction, and pay more attention to function complementation between commu- nities and parks.

Spatial Variation and Space Optimization of the Development of China’s Circular Economy

Abstract: China＇s circular economy is still at the initial stage, whose development has many difficulties and problems requir- ing immediate resolution theoretically and practically. Due to the differences of regions on the scale of land, endowment of resources, economic basis and cultural background, the devel- opmental levels and capabilities of circular economy are inevi- tably different. Based on establishing the indicator system for assessing the developmental level of regional circular economy, spatial variation of China＇s circular economy is measured by the quantitative measurement using principal component analysis, and the existing problems are also analyzed and discussed. On one hand, the differences of the development capability of the circular economy of different provinces （cities） are profound in China; （!）Difference between the first category （strong） and the second category （relatively strong） is 1.1264 points. Difference between the second category and the third category （relatively weak） is 0.3867 points. Difference between the third category and the fourth category （weak） is 1.0238 points. Differencebetween the tlrst category and the tourtla category reaches up to 2.0869 points. Average difference between the area where the developmental level of circular economy is relatively strong and the area where the developmental level of circular economy is relatively weak is 1.3617 points. （~）The differences of the dis- tribution of the areas, with different development capability of circular economy, which are located in the three economic regions of China, are also profound. The regions with a relatively strong development capability of circular economy are mainly located in the eastern economic area, which account for 22.58% of the whole regions, while only account for 12.90% in the middle and western economic areas. On the contrary, the regions with a relatively weak development capability of circular economy account for 48.39% in the middle and western area, while ac- count for 16.13% in the eastern area. On the other hand, among regions with different development capability of circular econ- omy, the regions with a relatively weak development capability of circular economy are in a dominant position, which accountfor 64.52% of all the provinces （cities）, which indicates that the development of the China＇s circular economy still has a long way to go. Though certain achievements have been made in the development of China＇s circular economy, in general, there are still some obstacles to be tacked in the development of China＇s circular economy which require the economic, legal and administrative methods.

The Role and Effectiveness of Local Institutions in the Management of Forest Biodiversity in New Dabaga-Ulongambi Forest Reserve, Iringa Region-Tanzania

Abstract: This paper examines the role and effectiveness of local institutions in the management of forest biodiversity in New Dabaga-Ulongambi Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Data were obtained through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, participatory rural appraisal and field observations. The study revealed that the most remarkable local institutions connected to forest biodiversity management include: Village Natural Resources Management Committee (92%), tree nursery group (79.4%), beekeeping groups (61.1%), fish farming (43.3%), livestock rearing group (33.9%). Main activities carried out by local institutions which directly contribute to the sustainability of forest reserve include: forest patrols, fire extinguish, preparation of fire breaks, planting of trees along the forest boundaries, creation of awareness, arresting of forest defaulters, participation in income generation activities. For the purpose of realization that local communities are capable of managing forest biodiversity thro...

Ecological and Economic System Health Assessment Based on Fuzzy Set Pair Analysis: A Case Study of Northwest Region, China

Abstract: Due to the increasingly serious environmental pollution and destruction, especially humans’ unreasonable activities, the ecological and economic system (EES) issues of Northwest region in China have attracted more and more attention of the researchers. Aiming at evaluating its ecological and economic system health, a multi-objective evaluation framework called Pressure- State-Response (PSR) was established to describe the ecological and economic health situations. Meanwhile, an integrative set pair model combining set pair analysis (SPA) and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) was proposed to assess the ecological and economic system. Then the EES status of five northwest provinces (Shanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang) of Northwest region in China was evaluated during 1985 to 2009. The EES development trends of five provinces are obtained. In general, the health values of five provinces showed a rising trend. The health values of five provinces grew rapidly during 1985 to 2000. After...

Study of Chinese Economic “Growth Drag” Caused by Land Resource in the Perspective of the Modified Two-Level CES Production function

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to measure the “growth drag” according to the characteristic of Chinese land resource. Romer model (2001) holds that every country is inevitably affected by the “growth drag” due to the limitation of land resource. So it’s of profound strategic significance to measure the “growth drag” according to the character of Chinese land resource. Modified two-level CES production function was employed, and this paper modified the hypothesis of the model. The result indicates that the limitation of Chinese land resource casts shadow over the economic development of China, and the growth rate is 0.4618% lower than that without the limitation of land resource. Through implementing the land resource protection policy along with the technology improvement and the substitute effect of other factors to the land resource, China will keep a steady and balanced economic growth.

Research on the Knowledge System Framework of Eco-industrial Engineering

Abstract: With intensified contradiction between the rapid development of modern industry and the carrying capacity of natural environment, coordinating the relationship between economic benefits and ecologi...

Study on the Relationship between Tourist Influence and Residents’ Sense of Community: An Empirical Study from Changdao County in Shandong Province

Abstract: Residents’ sense of community is an important prerequisite to promote the development of community. Tourism has significant influence on residents’ sense of community. An empirical study from Changdao shows that economy and life conflict caused by tourism can affect neighborhood-friendly and community participation significantly. Culture, environment and social services from tourism can significantly affect community association, community care and place recognition. Therefore, the regional managers should pay attention to allocate revenues in the residents fairly and protect own culture to avoid the negative impact from tourism.