Ecosystem degradation or restoration? The evolving role of land use in China, 2000–2020

Wanxu Chen, Liyan Yang, Guangqing Chi, Jie Zeng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dramatic land use change in China affects ecosystem degradation and restoration. Identifying the evolving role of land use in ecosystem degradation and restoration in China is essential for sustainable land policy making. However, it is not clear how land use affects ecosystem degradation and restoration over time. Here, we used the revised benefit transfer approach and spatial statistics based on land use data to determine the evolving role that land use plays in ecosystem degradation and restoration in China during 2000–2020. The study results pointed out that the deterioration of the forestland ecosystem during the study period was the main reason for ecosystem degradation, while the conversion of arable land to forestland was the main cause for ecosystem restoration. Every 1% increase of land use intensity in the periods 2000–2005, 2005–2010, 2010–2015, and 2015–2020 resulted in –1.754%, 0.697%, 1.098%, and –0.058% of the changes in ecosystem services, respectively. This study provided important policy implications for future sustainable land use management in China.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number304
JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment
Volume196
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Environmental Science
  • Pollution
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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