Environmental sustainability assessment for countries involved in OBOR initiatives based on planetary boundary theory

Abstract

Based on planetary boundary theory, this paper has analyzed the national biodiversity capability (BC) and environmental footprint (EF) among countries involved in the OBOR Initiatives; calculated their respective biocapability deficit or reserves (DR); and evaluated their environmental sustainability (ESPI) upon the humanity’s development requirements (HDI). It aims to assess the environmental supporting capability from a regional broad view in realizing the success of OBOR strategy, and further to provide references for regional sustainable development. The methodology could also be suggestive in regional development studies and sustainability evaluation from a environmental friendly perspective.