Theoretic Research on the Relevant Concepts of Urban Ecosystem Carrying Capacity

Based on a review of related research literature and our own preliminary research, urban ecosystem carrying capacity and its relevant concepts (including urban ecosystem health, urban ecological security, and urban ecological risk) were identified starting from several aspects, such as the source, development, definition, function, evaluation methods, and limits. These aspects were systematically redefined by the urban ecological complex carrying capacity (UECCC) model, centering on the key concept of urban ecosystem carrying capacity. From this research, we found that urban ecosystem carrying capacity can be used to characterize urban ecosystem health, urban ecological security, and urban ecological risk (to some extent), such that these concepts can be connected together.