Urbanization-induced ecological degradation in Midwestern China: An analysis based on an improved ecological footprint model

Urbanization is the primary driving force for regional social economic development, and China's government is likely to continue promoting urbanization in the Midwestern part of the country. Yet, urbanization in this region has seriously damaged the fragile ecological environment. To explore the urbanization-induced ecological pressure in Midwestern China, the traditional ecological footprint (EF) model was improved in this study and the concept of “local EF” was proposed. By applying the improved model, the eco-environmental pressure from the process of urbanization in Midwestern China from 2005 to 2020 was estimated. The results showed that from 2005 to 2014, the urbanization in Midwestern China had gradually increased the eco-pressure, and it is predicted to continue to increase till 2020. The central region has the greatest eco-pressure. Because it is China's major grain production area and a large number of urban agglomerations have formed here. The eco-pressure in the west was relatively low. However, because this region is a major energy and chemical industry base of China, this eco-pressure cannot be underestimated. In the future, technological innovations will reduce the ecological impact in Midwestern China. But the promotion of higher living standards and consumption induced by urbanization would continue to exert tremendous pressure on the eco-environment. Therefore, the local government should strive to incentivize the return of its elite talent to their hometowns. The local government also need to build a green industrial chain to promote industrial upgrading and greening in Midwestern China. Doing so would help reduce the pressure on the fragile eco-environment.