Spatial and Temporal Changes in Ecological Resilience in the Shanxi–Shaanxi–Inner Mongolia Energy Zone with Multi-Scenario Simulation

Abstract

The energy-driven expansion of artificial surfaces has resulted in severe ecological problems. Scientific evaluation of regional ecological resilience under different scenarios is crucial for promoting ecological restoration. This study chose the Shanxi–Shaanxi–Inner Mongolia Energy Zone (SEZ) and modeled an ecological resilience evaluation based on resistance, adaptability, and recovery. Land-use change and ecological resilience from 1980 to 2020 were then analyzed. Moreover, the SEZ land-use patterns and ecological resilience in 2030 were simulated under business as usual (BAU), energy and mineral development (EMD), and ecological conservation and restoration (ECR) scenarios. The results showed that (1) the SEZ was dominated by cultivated land, grassland, and unused land. (2) Ecological resilience showed a changing trend of decreasing and then increasing, with high ecological resilience areas mainly located in the Yellow River Basin, whereas low ecological resilience areas spread outward from the central urban areas. (3) The ecological resilience level was the lowest under the EMD scenario and the highest under the ECR scenario. This study not only expands the analysis framework of ecological resilience research but also provides scientific support for ecological conservation in ecologically fragile areas with intensive human activity worldwide.