Quantitative assessment of eco-environmental stress of Anhui Province (China) using the eco-environmental stress index

Abstract

The eco-environmental stress index (ESI) is used to quantitatively assess the stress caused by economic development to the environment. This study analyzed environmental and economic data for the period 2000-2014 in the Anhui Province (China) and quantified eco-environmental stress in every city of the Province for the year 2014 to provide the springboard for sustainable development strategies in the area. The results show increasing eco-environmental stress in the Anhui Province, driven by significant increase in the annual resource and energy consumption. The highest eco-environmental stress during 2014 was observed in the Hefei City, followed by Ma'anshan and Huainan. While the Hefei and Ma'anshan cities had the highest consumption of energy and resources, the environmental pollution index was relatively small, in contrast to the city of Huainan. Minimum stress was observed in the Huangshan City. This study highlights the necessity for green strategies in the Anhui Province to reduce eco-environmental stress and ensure a sustainable future for the Province and its citizens.