Multi-scale Linkages and Mechanisms Between Urbanization and Regional Ecological Environments (Subproject 3 of the National Key R&D Program: Coupling Mechanisms and Regulation of Urbanization and Regional Ecology)

Research Overview:

This study investigates the spatiotemporal coupling mechanisms between urbanization and regional ecological environments by integrating the SLEUTH urban growth model with game theory, bridging urban agglomeration dynamics with policy, decision-making, and market mechanisms. Building on 30 years of urban development data, the project develops a spatiotemporal dynamic model to simulate the growth of urban agglomerations under diverse scenarios (e.g., policy shifts, ecological conservation, and economic priorities) from 2020 to 2050.

Methodology & Objectives:

1. Multi-scale Analysis:

• Examines urbanization-ecology interactions across spatial scales: landscape, city, urban agglomeration, and region.

• Quantifies urbanization’s stress effects on ecosystems (e.g., habitat fragmentation) and ecological constraints on urban expansion (e.g., resource thresholds).

2. Mechanistic Insights:

• Reveals bidirectional feedback between ecological changes and urbanization patterns.

• Identifies leverage points for balancing urban growth with environmental sustainability.

Principal Investigator:
Prof. Honggang Ni
Duration: July 2017 – December 2020