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The Dynamic Calculation of Ecological Footprintbased on the Theory of Energy Analysis for the Degree of Master of Science

Author: WeiJing
Tutor: GeJingFeng
School: Hebei Normal
Course: Physical Geography
Keywords: Hebei province energy analysis theory ecological footprint model dynamic analysis
CLC: X22
Type: Master's thesis
Year: 2008
Downloads: 76
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Abstract

Human beings are components of natural ecosystems, continuously making exchange with environment about material and energy. Since the mid-20th century, along with the rapid progress of science and technology and rapid development of social productive forces, human activities exert increasing pressure on environment, and there has been a series of problems, such as depletion of the world’s resources, energy crisis and deterioration of ecological environment and other issues. Excessive exploitation and massive rejectamenta has gone far beyond self-purification ability and capacity of natural environment, and it not only reduces natural productivity, but may also lead to ecosystem collapse. The way of human use nature is gradually affecting nature and our own health.Since the 1960s, scientists have been studying indicators and models that can be able to reflect ecosystem pressure, and then quantify the extent of human beings using resources. The Model of Ecological Footprint with its unique advantages is adopted by the vast number of scholars, which becomes the favorable evaluation tool of regional ecological sustainable development and the theoretical basis of decision-making. Scholars continuously supplements and perfects ecological footprint model in the process of application. A variety of economic indicators and related theories were merged into the study of ecological footprint model, which enriched its content and enhanced the significance.This paper will apply energy theory to dynamic changes of ecological footprint model and expound the theoretical foundation of traditional and improved ecological footprint model, and make a dynamic analysis on environment from 1995 to 2004 in Hebei Province. Results of traditional ecological footprint model show that: over 10 years, per capita ecological footprint of Hebei Province showed a rapid upward trend, increased from 2.274 hm2 in 1995 to 3.410 hm2 in 2004, with a trough in 1999 of 2.420hm2. Ecological carrying capacity showed steady downward trend, decreased from 0.488hm2 in 1995 to 0.436hm2 in 2004, with two peaks of 0.441hm2 in 2001 and 0.461hm2 in 2003. There was also a significant change about per capita ecological deficit, and it increased by 1.189hm2 from 1995 to 2004, with a trough of 1.944hm2 in 1999.Compared with traditional model of ecological footprint, the results of improved ecological footprint model are higher. In the last ten years, per capita ecological footprint was wave-like rise, and it increased from 5.185hm2 in 1995 to 6.026 hm2 in 2004, with a obvious trough about 6.077hm2 in 1999. Ecological carrying capacity changes are relatively stable, and ecological carrying capacity reduced from 5.033hm2 in 1995 to 3.748hm2 in 2004, with a peak of 4.175hm2 in 1999. Per capita ecological deficit increased by 2.126 hm2 in 2004 than that in 1995, with a peak of 1.902hm2 in 1999.Environmental change trend of traditional ecological footprint model and improved ecological footprint model are consistent, but there are some differences in the results. Major advantages of improved ecological footprint model includes:Improved ecological footprint model change consumer items into solar energy values to compare and eliminate relative concept of traditional ecological footprint model, and also reflect regional ecological comparative advantage, so results are larger than traditional ecological footprint model. Because ecological carrying capacity is measured from perspective of emergy in improved ecological footprint model, covering all types of land use, including unused land, so it reflects bearing capacity from a dynamic perspective and results is larger than the traditional model. By introducing the concept of energy conversion rate, energy density, and other parameters, make the model more stable and fully reflects the dynamic changes of regional trends.Based on the above analysis, on the basis of analysis on improved ecological footprint model proposed measures and recommendations to mitigate ecological deficit, provide a reference for relevant government departments to make decision.

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