Research on remote sensing ecological livability index based on Google Earth Engine: a case study from Urumqi-Changji-Shihezi urban cluster

Abstract

The U-Chang-Shi (Urumqi-Changji-Shihezi) urban cluster, located at the heart of Xinjiang, boasts abundant natural resources. Over the past two decades, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and climate change have significantly threatened the region’s ecological livability. To comprehensively, scientifically, and objectively assess the ecological livability of this area, this study leverages the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform and multi-source remote sensing data to develop a comprehensive evaluation metric: the Remote Sensing Ecological Livability Index (RSELI). This aims to examine the changes in the ecological livability of the U-Chang-Shi urban cluster from 2000 to 2020. The findings show that despite some annual improvements, the overall trend in ecological livability is declining, indicating that the swift pace of urbanization and industrialization has placed considerable pressure on the region’s ecological environment. Land use changes, driven by urban expansion and the growth in agricultural and industrial lands, have progressively encroached upon existing green spaces and water bodies, further deteriorating the ecological environment. Additionally, the region’s topographical features have influenced its ecological livability; large terrain fluctuations have made soil erosion and geological disasters common. Despite the central plains’ vast rivers providing ample water resources, over exploitation and ill-conceived hydrological constructions have led to escalating water scarcity. The area near the Gurbantunggut Desert in the north, with its extremely fragile ecological environment, has long been unsuitable for habitation. This study provides a crucial scientific basis for the future development of the U-Chang-Shi urban cluster and hopes to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for the sustainable development and ecological improvement of the region.