Sustainability indices as a tool for urban managers, evidence from four medium-sized Chinese cities

Journal Article · Mon Aug 15 04:00:00 EDT 2005 · Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2004.10.001· OSTI ID:20713491

Dijk, Meine Pieter van ^[1]; Mingshun, Zhang ^[2]

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1. Faculty of Economics, Erasmus University, P.O. Box 1738 H12-15, 3000 DR Rotterdam (Netherlands)
2. Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, P.O. Box 1935, 3000 BX Rotterdam (Netherlands)

This research in four medium-sized Chinese cities aims at measuring urban sustainability in China and focuses on three issues. First, the situation in these four cities with regard to urban sustainability is evaluated. Secondly, a number of relations between different aspects of urban sustainability is explored. Finally, it is indicated how urban managers can improve with sustainability indices as tools currently ineffective urban management practices. Although all four cities are moving towards sustainable development, the current situation shows still weak sustainability in three, and even non-sustainability in one city. The social and, in particular, the economic dimensions of urban sustainability make significant positive contributions to overall urban sustainability. However, the decline of natural resources and environmental degradation are influencing it negatively. It is therefore suggested that more priority should be assigned to urban environmental protection and management in China. The fundamental reason for environmental degradation is believed to be inefficient urban management. To implement effective urban management in China, there is an urgent need to redefine the role of local government, reform local organizational structure, enhance local participatory institutional capacity, properly distribute the urban welfare, and thus integrate economic, social and environmental objectives local strategic and action plans.

• OSTI ID: 20713491
• Journal Information: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Journal Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Review Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 25; ISSN 0195-9255; ISSN EIARDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CHINA
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
URBAN AREAS