Adaptability Assessment and Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Differences of Water-Energy-Food System in Yangtze River Delta in China

Abstract

Serving as an effective tool for research on regional sustainable development, adaptive management has become the subject of global climate change and environmental economic research nowadays. Based on the perspective of the adaptability of the composite system, this article decomposes the adaptability into four aspects: sensibility, stability, compatibility and sustainability. We use the pressure-state-impact-response (PSIR) model to construct a Comprehensive Index Evaluation System for the adaptability of the Water-Energy-Food System in the Yangtze River Delta from 2010 to 2019. Our analyses show that: Firstly, the adaptability of the Water-Energy-Food System in the Yangtze River Delta fluctuates greatly, with the lowest value being only 33.35% of the highest value. Secondly, while sensibility shows an “M-shaped” development trend, the stability, sustainability and compatibility of the Water-Energy-Food System in the Yangtze River Delta changes simultaneously, showing a “U-shaped” development trend as a whole. Thirdly, there exists significant spatial differences in the adaptability of the Water-Energy-Food System in the Yangtze River Delta. Zhejiang Province has the highest level of system adaptability, while Anhui Province has the lowest. Based on that, we recommend to strengthen the coordinated management of various departments and natural resources in the Yangtze River Delta and implement strict red lines for resource utilization and environmental protection.