Members Highlights: authored by Lei Shen
- Article：Urbanization, sustainability and the utilization of energy and mineral resources in China
- Source Information
- Original Title: Urbanization, sustainability and the utilization of energy and mineral resources in China
- Authors: Lei Shen, Shengkui Cheng, Aaron James Gunson, Hui Wan
- Affiliations: Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, University of British Columbia, China University of Geosciences (Beijing)
- Keywords: Urbanization; modernization; energy; natural resources; supply and demand; utilization
- Source Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264275105000570
- Editor’s Comments
This paper, examining the intricate relationship between urbanization and the utilization of energy and mineral resources in China, stands as a pivotal work within its academic domain. With a focus on predicting trends from 2005 to 2050, it provides a comprehensive analysis that is both forward-thinking and deeply insightful. The paper’s innovative approach and substantial academic contributions have earned it a place among the most highly cited in its field, a testament to its enduring relevance and impact.
One of the most striking aspects of this paper is its comprehensive examination of the drivers and impacts of urbanization in China. By highlighting the significant effects of cement, steel, aluminum, and coal supply, as well as timber, cement, and steel demand, on urbanization, the authors offer a nuanced understanding of the resource dynamics at play. This detailed analysis is particularly innovative in its ability to link urbanization with the broader economic and environmental systems, providing a holistic view that is often lacking in similar studies.
Moreover, the paper makes a substantial contribution to the field by identifying potential long-term resource shortages that China may face if urbanization outpaces predictions. This warning serves as a timely reminder of the challenges associated with rapid urbanization and industrialization, and underscores the need for sustainable resource management strategies. By emphasizing the importance of technological advancements and resource conservation, the authors propose practical solutions that can help balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
In all, this paper is a landmark study that has made significant contributions to our understanding of urbanization and resource utilization in China. Its innovative approach, comprehensive analysis, and timely warnings about potential resource shortages make it a must-read for scholars and policymakers alike. Its high citation rate is a well-deserved testament to its enduring relevance and the profound impact it has had on the field.
- Original text summary
This article examines the relationship between urbanization and the utilization of energy and mineral resources in China, predicting trends from 2005 to 2050. It highlights that China’s GDP and urbanization are expected to grow rapidly, albeit with a slight slowdown, until 2050. The study identifies significant effects of cement, steel, aluminum, and coal supply, as well as timber, cement, and steel demand, on urbanization. It concludes that China faces potential long-term resource shortages if urbanization outpaces predictions, challenging the current urbanization strategy and industrialization efforts. The paper emphasizes the need for sustainable resource management to support China’s urbanization and modernization goals, suggesting that technological advancements and resource conservation are crucial for balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Fig. 1. The framework of relationships of resources with industrialization, information age, modernization and urbanization.
Fig. 2. The evolution curve of historical urbanization of China
Fig. 3. The relationship between urbanization and economic growth of China
Fig. 4. The change curve of resources shortage rates in China under the restrictions of both modernization and urbanization.
- Original text information
ABSTRACT
This paper analyzes a model depicting the trend of Chinese urbanization and explores relationships between urbanization and the supply and demand of major energy and mineral resources and between the gross domestic product (GDP) and the urbanization of China. Then it predicts China’s supply and demand trends from 2005 to 2050. It is predicted that until 2010 China’s GDP and urbanization will grow at high speed, slowing slightly yet still growing strongly on to 2050. It also argues that the supply of cement, steel, aluminum and coal and the demand of timber, cement and steel have significant effects on urbanization. The paper concludes that China will inevitably face a long shortage of resources if future urbanization is faster than predicted, i.e., China cannot meet the targets of the current urbanization strategy while continuing current energy and resource consumption for its industrialization and modernization.
- This issue’s editor
Ms Xinyi WU, Doctoral candidate at Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), focuses on the research of natural resources economics.