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Comparison of Urbanization and Its Eco-environmental Effects in Three Large Pearl River Delta Metropolises, China

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Abstract

Guangzhou , Shenzhen and Hong Kong are the three most representative large metropolises experiencing rapid urbanization in China . Through Landsat image interpretation, socio-economic and environmental monitoring data analysis, we constructed an index system for urbanization and eco-environmental quality assessment . We used this system to examine the urbanization process and evaluate the eco-environment quality changes in the three metropolises since 1980. Our goal was to provide a scientific understanding of green urban development in the Pearl River Delta and even in China . We found that the three metropolises are at different phases of urbanization . Hong Kong has the highest population density and the most intensive land use , followed by Shenzhen and Guangzhou . In terms of vegetation coverage, atmospheric environment quality, surface water environmental quality, and urban heat island effect, Guangzhou has the highest overall quality, followed by Hong Kong and Shenzhen. However, there are significant differences in ecological environment evolution for the metropolises, which are shaped by natural and geographical conditions, economic development pathways, and environmental protection policies.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (#31470703).

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Correspondence to Rongbo Xiao .

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Xiao, R., Wu, C., Li, Z. (2019). Comparison of Urbanization and Its Eco-environmental Effects in Three Large Pearl River Delta Metropolises, China. In: Yang, X., Jiang, S. (eds) Challenges Towards Ecological Sustainability in China. JFGES 2017. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03484-9_7

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