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Abstract Urban vegetation experiences multiple natural and human impacts during urbanization, including land conversion, local environmental factors, and human management, which may bring positive or negative impacts on vegetation gross primary productivity (GPP) at multiple scales. In this study, we analyzed the spatial-temporal changes of GPP and three urbanization factors: land urbanization (impervious surface coverage), population urbanization (Population), and economic urbanization Gross domestic product (GDP) at city-district-grid scales in Beijing during 2000–2018. Overall, both GPP and three urbanization factors showed an increased trend. The relationships between GPP and urbanization factors exhibit diverse characteristics at multiple scales: unlike the linear relationship observed at city scale, the relationships at district and grid scales all demonstrated nonlinear relationship, even a U shape between GPP and population/GDP. Furthermore, the positive impact of urbanization on GPP increased and offset the negative impact of land conversion from 9.9% in 2000 to 35% in 2018, indicating that urban management and climate during urbanization effectively promote vegetation photosynthesis and neutralize the negative impact of urban area expansion. Our findings highlight the increased growth offset by urbanization on vegetation and the importance of analysis at a finer scale. Understanding these urbanization types’ impact on vegetation is pivotal in formulating comprehensive strategies that foster sustainable urban development and preserve ecological balance.
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This content will become publicly available on December 1, 2026
Concurrent Increases of Impervious Surface Area and Vegetation Greenness and Productivity in China's Yangtze River Delta
Abstract Expansion of impervious surface area (ISA) in urbanizing regions often leads to vegetation area losses, a direct impact of urbanization. Many activities driven by economic growth, population increases, targeted urban greening investments, environmental policies, and major sports events change vegetation composition, structure, and function, leading to substantial indirect (positive or negative) impacts on vegetation in urban area. In this study, we analyzed the spatial‐temporal dynamics of ISA, enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and gross primary production (GPP) in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), China, over 2000–2020. Positive indirect impacts of urbanization on EVI and GPP surged after 2011, coinciding with China's Ecological Civilization Strategy. The concurrent increases of ISA, EVI, and GPP in the YRD provide an example for our society to work and advance the UN's Sustainable Development Goal #11, “Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.”
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- PAR ID:
- 10661953
- Publisher / Repository:
- AGU
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Earth's Future
- Volume:
- 13
- Issue:
- 12
- ISSN:
- 2328-4277
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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