Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Coupling analysis of social-economic water consumption and its effects on the arid environments in Xinjiang of China based on the water and ecological footprints

  • Published:
Journal of Arid Land Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In arid areas, ecological degradation aroused by over-exploitation of fresh water, expansion of artificial oasis and shrinkage of natural oasis, has drawn attention of many scholars and officials. The water and ecological footprints can be used to quantitatively evaluate the water consumption of social-economic activities and their influence on the eco-environments. In addition, increase of the water footprint indicates the expansion of artificial oasis, and the influence on the natural oasis could be reflected by the variation of the ecological footprint. This study was conducted to answer a scientific question that what is the quantitative relationship between the expansion of the artificial oasis and the degradation of the natural oasis in the arid environments of Xinjiang, China. Thus, based on the social-economic data, water consumption data and meteorological data during 2001–2015, we calculated the water and ecological footprints to express the human-related pressure exerted on the water resources and arid environments in Xinjiang (including 14 prefectures and cities), and explore the relationship between the water and ecological footprints and its mechanism by using the coupling analysis and Granger causality test. The results show that both the water and ecological footprints of Xinjiang increased significantly during 2001–2015, and the increasing rate of the ecological footprint was much faster than that of the water footprint. The coupling degree between the water and ecological footprints was relatively high at the temporal scale and varied at the spatial scale. Among the 14 prefectures and cities examined in Xinjiang, the greater social-economic development (such as in Karamay and Urumqi) was associated with the lower coupling degree between the two footprints. Increases in the water footprint will cause the ecological footprint to increase, such that a 1-unit increase in the consumption of water resources would lead to 2–3 units of ecological degradation. The quantitative relationship between the increases of the water and ecological footprints, together with the intensities of water consumption both in the natural and artificial oases of Tarim River Basin, have approved the fact that the formation and expansion of 1 unit of the artificial oasis would bring about the degradation of 2 units of the natural oasis. These conclusions not only provide a technical basis for sustainable development in Xinjiang, but also offer a theoretical guide and scientific information that could be used in similar arid areas around the world.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bosire C K, Ogutu J O, Said M Y, et al. 2015. Trends and spatial variation in water and land footprints of meat and milk production systems in Kenya. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 205: 36–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bureau of Statistics of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. 2002–2016. Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Statistical Yearbook. Beijing: China Statistics Press, (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bureau of Statistics of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. 2002–2016. Xinjiang Statistical Yearbook. Beijing: China Statistics Press, (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen L. 2012. Protecting the source of life, the backbone of production, the foundation of ecology-implementing the strictest water resources management system. Qiushi, 14: 38–40. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y N, Li B F, Fan Y T, et al. 2019. Hydrological and water cycle processes of inland river basins in the arid region of Northwest China. Journal of Arid Land, 11(2): 161–179.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dai J J, Wu Y J, Ouyang Y R. 2015. Calculations of the national average yield, equivalence factor and yield factor in ten years based on national hectares’ ecological footprint model-A case study of Xiamen City. Communications in Computer & Information Science, 482: 338–349.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng M J. 2010. Research and thinking on water resources in Xinjiang. Quaternary Sciences, 30(1): 107–114. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ewing B R, Hawkins T R, Wiedmann T O, et al. 2012. Integrating ecological and water footprint accounting in a multi-regional input-output framework. Ecological Indicators, 23(4): 1–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fan Z L, Mu G J, Ma Y J, et al. 2002. Formation and development of the artificially irrigated oases in the northern piedmont of the Tianshan Mountains. Scientia Geographica Sinica, 22(2): 184–189. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fang K, Heijungs R, de Snoo G R. 2014. Theoretical exploration for the combination of the ecological, energy, carbon, and water footprints: Overview of a footprint family. Ecological Indicators, 36: 508–518.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fang K, Duan Z. 2015. An integrated assessment of national environmental sustainability by synthesizing carbon, water and land footprints and boundaries. Journal of Natural Resources, 30(4): 539–548. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng M. 2011. Resource and environmental pressure and efficiency of regional economies. PhD Dissertation. Shenyang: Northeastern University, 18–24. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Galli A, Wiedmann T, Ercin E, et al. 2012. Integrating ecological, carbon and water footprint into a “footprint family” of indicators: Definition and role in tracking human pressure on the planet. Ecological Indicators, 16: 100–112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gao F, Li Y Z, Guo J X, et al. 2017. Areview of water footprint assessment for agricultural products. Chinese Journal of Eco- Agriculture, 25(7): 1071–1080. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gao G Y, Shen Q, Zhang Y, et al. 2018. Determining spatio-temporal variations of ecological water consumption by natural oases for sustainable water resources allocation in a hyper-arid endorheic basin. Journal of Cleaner Production, 185: 1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ge L Q, Xie G D, Zhang C X, et al. 2011. An evaluation of China’s water footprint. Water Resources Management, 25(10): 2633–2647.

    Google Scholar 

  • Granger C W J. 1969. Investigating causal relations by econometric models and cross-spectral methods. Econometrica, 37(3): 424–438.

    Google Scholar 

  • Granger C W J. 1988. Some recent development in a concept of causality. Journal of Econometrics, 39(1-2): 199–211.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guo H W, Xu H L, Ling H B, et al. 2017. Transformation process and appropriate area proportion of artificial and natural oases in the Tarim River Basin. Chinese Journal of Soil Science, 48(3): 532–539. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hao H G, Zhang J P, Li X B, et al. 2015. Impact of livelihood diversification of rural households on their ecological footprint in agro-pastoral areas of northern China. Journal of Arid Land, 7(5): 653–664.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hertwich E G, Peters G P. 2009. Carbon footprint of nations: a global, trade-linked analysis. Environmental Science & Technology, 43(16): 6414–6420.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoekstra A Y, Chapagain A K. 2008. Globalization of Water: Sharing the Planet’s Freshwater Resources. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Press, 23–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoekstra A Y, Chapagain A, Aldaya A, et al. 2011. The Water Footprint Assessment Manual: Setting the Global Standard. London: Earthscan Press, 25–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu S J, Song Y D, Tian C Y, et al. 2007. Suitable scale of Weigan River plain oasis. Science in China, 50(S1): 56–64. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hurlin C, Venet B. 2001. Granger causality tests in panel data models with fixed coefficients. Paris: EURIsCO, University Paris IX Dauphin, 1–31. https://basepub.dauphine.fr/bitstream/handle/123456789/6159/3F117993d01.pdf?sequence=l.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiao J Y, Gui L D, Jia G J. 2013. Sustainable development of ecological economy of small watersheds in semi-arid loess hilly region. Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment, 29(5): 559–565. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li J L, Feng Q, Guo Q L. 2008. Fractal study of sustainable proportions of natural and artificial oases. Environmental Geology, 55(7): 1389–1396.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li J L, Zhang S Q, Pu Z C, et al. 2013. Spatial-temporal variation of seasonal and annual air temperature in Xinjiang during 1961–2010. Arid Land Geography, 36(2): 228–237. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Guo T T, Zhao Q. Y. 2011. Ecological footprint model parameters revised study. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 99-100: 582–586.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ling H B, Xu H L, Liu X H, et al. 2012. Suitable scale of oasis in Keriya River basin, Xinjiang. Advances in Water Science, 23(4): 563–568. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ling H B, Xu H L, Fu J Y, et al. 2013. Suitable oasis scale in a typical continental river basin in an arid region of China: A case study of the Manas River Basin. Quaternary International, 286(430): 116–125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ling H B, Guo B, Xu H L, et al. 2014. Configuration of water resources for atypical river basin in an arid region of China based on the ecological water requirements (EWRs) of desert riparian vegetation. Global and Planetary Change, 122: 292–304.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu B, Zhao W Z, Chang X X, et al. 2010. Water requirements and stability of oasis ecosystem in arid region, China. Environmental Earth Sciences, 59(6): 1235–1244.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mekonnen M M, Hoekstra A. Y. 2014. Water footprint benchmarks for crop production: A first global assessment. Ecological Indicators, 46: 214–223.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Bureau of Statistics of China. 2002–2016. China Statistical Yearbook. Beijing: China Statistics Press, (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Perry C. 2014. Water footprints: Path to enlightenment, or false trail. Agricultural Water Management, 134: 119–125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Qi C, Chang N B. 2012. Integrated carbon footprint and cost evaluation of a drinking water infrastructure system for screening expansion alternatives. Journal of Cleaner Production, 27: 51–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Qin X G, Liu J Q, Jia H J, et al. 2012. New evidence of agricultural activity and environmental change associated with the ancient Loulan kingdom, China, around 1500 years ago. The Holocene, 22(1): 53–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rees W E. 1992. Ecological footprints and appropriated carrying capacity: what urban economics leaves out. Environment and Urbanization, 6(2): 121–130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ridha I, Ben S H. 2018. Water footprint and economic water productivity of sheep meat at farm scale in humid and semi-arid agro-ecological zones. Small Ruminant Research, 166: 101–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rushforth R R, Adams E A, Ruddell B L. 2013. Generalizing ecological, water and carbon footprint methods and their worldview assumptions using Embedded Resource Accounting. Water Resources and Industry, 1-2: 77–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salameh E. 2008. Over-exploitation of groundwater resources and their environmental and socio-economic implications: the case of Jordan. Water International, 33(1): 55–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Somogyi Z. 2016. Aframework for quantifying environmental sustainability. Ecological Indicators, 61: 338–345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun S, Wu P, Wang Y B, et al. 2013. The impacts of inter-annual climate variability and agricultural inputs on water footprint of crop production in an irrigation district of China. Science of the Total Environment, 444(2): 498–507.

    Google Scholar 

  • Veettil A V, Mishra A K. 2016. Water security assessment using blue and green water footprint concepts. Journal of Hydrology, 542: 589–602.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wackernagel M, Yount J D. 1998. The ecological footprint: an indicator of progress toward regional sustainability Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 51(1-2): 511–529.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wackernagel M, Onisto L, Bello P, et al. 1999. National natural capital accounting with the ecological footprint concept. Ecological Economics, 29(3): 375–390.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wackernagel M, Monfreda C, Schulz N B, et al. 2004. Calculating national and global ecological footprint time series: Resolving conceptual challenges. Land Use Policy, 21(3): 271–278.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Y J, Guo Y. H. 2018. Characteristics of oasis before and after the ecology water transportation in lower reaches of the Tarim River. Desert & Oasis Meteorology, 12(2): 37–42. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Water Resources Bureau of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. 2001–2015. Xinjiang Water Resources Bulletin. Beijing: Water Resources and Electric Power Press, http://www.xjslt.gov.cn/zwgk/slgb/index.html. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu Y, Wu S X, Zhang J, et al. 2014. Study of Xinjiang oasis with multitude of temporal and spatial data. Arid Land Geography, 37(2): 333–341. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xie G D, Lu C X, Cheng S K, et al. 2001. Evaluation of natural capital utilization with ecological footprint in China. Resources Science, 23(6): 20–23. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu Z M, Zhang Z Q, Cheng G D, et al. 2003. Ecological footprint calculation and development capacity analysis of China in 1999. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 14(2): 280–285. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xue N C, Aniwar A, Gong L. 2009. Astudy on ecological capacity and ecological footprint in recent 10 years in Xinjiang. Journal of Arid Land Resources and Environment, 23(6): 24–27. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang K Z, Yang Y, Chen J. 2000. Ecological footprint analysis: concept, method and cases. Advances in Earth Science, 15(6): 630–636. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang X P, Dong J F, White P D. 2006. The key role of water resources management in ecological restoration in western China. Geographical Research, 44(2): 146–154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang P, Xu H L, Du Q, et al. 2017. Change of ecological conditions in the mainstream area of the Tarim River based on RS and GIS during the period of 1990–2010. Arid Zone Research, 34(2): 416–422. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang P, Long A H, Deng X Y, et al. 2018. Impact of social factors in agricultural production on the crop water footprint in Xinjiang, China. Water, 10(9): 1145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Li S S. 2012. The time-series study of Xiangjiang River water carrying capacity based on the ecological footprint of water resource-the Changzhutan Region, for example. Advanced Materials Research, 518-523: 4362–4370.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Zhang H. 2013. Analysis of water ecological footprint in Guangxi based on ecosystem services. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 33(13): 4111–4124. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Yang Q Y, Min J. 2016. An analysis of coupling between the bearing capacity of the ecological environment and the quality of new urbanization in Chongqing. Acta Geographica Sinica, 71(5): 817–828. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Z. 2016. The lost civilization of the Niya. Snowlotus, 5: 41–45. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Key Technology Research and Development Program of China (2017YFC0404301, 2016YFA0601602) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51479209, 51609260). We express our thanks to the anonymous reviewers for their great advices, and would like to express our appreciation to the International Science Editing, language editing company for improving the language of this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, 100038, China

    Pei Zhang, Aihua Long, Xiaoya Deng, Hao Wang & Yang Hai

  2. Xinjiang Water Conservancy and Hydropower Planning and Design Management Bureau, Urumqi, 830000, China

    Mingjiang Deng

  3. College of Water Conservancy and Architectural Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China

    Aihua Long & Jie Wang

  4. College of Soil & Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China

    Yundong Liu

Authors
  1. Pei Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mingjiang Deng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Aihua Long
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xiaoya Deng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Hao Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Yang Hai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Jie Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Yundong Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Aihua Long.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhang, P., Deng, M., Long, A. et al. Coupling analysis of social-economic water consumption and its effects on the arid environments in Xinjiang of China based on the water and ecological footprints. J. Arid Land 12, 73–89 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40333-020-0050-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40333-020-0050-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation