Suitability Evaluation of Human Settlements Using a Global Sensitivity Analysis Method: A Case Study in China

Abstract

The suitability evaluation of human settlements over time and space is essential to track potential challenges towards suitable human settlements and provide references for policy-makers. This study established a theoretical framework of human settlements based on the nature, human, economy, society, and residence subsystems. Evaluation indicators were determined with the consideration of the coupling effect among subsystems. Based on the extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity test algorithm, the global sensitivity analysis was used to determine the weights of indicators. The human settlement suitability was evaluated in 30 provinces of China between 2000 and 2016. The findings were as follows: (1) human settlement suitability index (HSSI) values increased significantly in all 30 provinces from 2000 to 2016. The suitability index of the residence subsystem in China exhibited the fastest growth, followed by the society and economy subsystems. (2) HSSI in eastern provinces with a developed economy was higher than that in western provinces with an underdeveloped economy. In contrast, the growth rate of HSSI in eastern provinces was significantly higher than that in western provinces. (3) The inter-provincial difference in HSSI narrowed down from 2000 to 2016. For subsystems, the difference narrowed down for the residence system, whereas it widened for the economy system. (4) The suitability of the nature subsystem has become a limiting factor for the improvement of human settlement suitability, especially in economically developed provinces, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong. The results can be helpful to support decision-making and policy for improving the quality of human settlements in a broad nature, human, economy, society, and residence context.