China has made the most rapid urbanization in the world in the past decades. Serious problems and big challenges in terms of resources shortage and environment pollution have been induced by the rapid urbanization in current China, which has restricted the sustainability of urban development in some degree. Although many case studies have investigated the related issue from some certain perspective, no systematic and integrated research has been conducted on this issue. This project, therefore, is aimed to investigate the current carrying capacity and the possible limit of natural environment and resources for sustainable urban development in several typical cities with different developing modes. Specifically, the Ecological Footprint model will be used to evaluate the cost of urban development and the carrying capacity of natural environment and resources. Then, the models related to dangers will be introduced to evaluate the urban eco-security. Thirdly, the eco-security of several typical cities will be predicted and compared according to the first two steps. And finally, the corresponding policies and countermeasures will be discussed to maintain the sustainable urban growth.

Performing Organization: Institute of Urban Environment, CAS
Sponsor: the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Headed by Li Gui-lin
Start Date: 2007.11
End Date: 2009.10