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How Can Resource-Exhausted Cities Get Out of “The Valley of Death”? An Evaluation Index System and Obstacle Degree Analysis of Green Sustainable Development

Author

Listed:
  • Xinyu Zhuang

    (College of Quality & Standardization, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work and should be regarded as co-first authors.)

  • Xin Li

    (School of Tourism and Geography Science, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
    Advanced Institute of Culture & Tourism, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work and should be regarded as co-first authors.)

  • Yisong Xu

    (School of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China)

Abstract

Resource-based cities are suffering from resource scarcity and environmental deterioration. Spirit, vitality and prosperity are disappearing and cities have moved towards “the valley of death” in terms of urban development. This typically appears in environments where it is difficult to maintain sustainable development. Based on empirical analysis, a qualitative analysis method for the selection of evaluation indicators, as well as a quantitative analysis method for index weighting and principal component extraction for constructing a three-level evaluation index system of green development for coal-resource-exhausted cities, was adopted. This study also discussed the life cycle at different development stages of resource-based cities, including mature resource-based and growing resource-based cities. We further argued that the obstacle degree can act as an evaluation basis and make recommendations accordingly to improve the green development of cities. Through star-standard divisions and statistical analysis, it can be explicated that the increase in green development in the first stage is greater than that in the later stage, which is more obvious in cities with lower stars. The results also show the evolution trend and stability coefficient. There is no end in sight for urban green development, and this study can provide a new perspective to relieve the declining trend and promote green sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinyu Zhuang & Xin Li & Yisong Xu, 2022. "How Can Resource-Exhausted Cities Get Out of “The Valley of Death”? An Evaluation Index System and Obstacle Degree Analysis of Green Sustainable Development," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-29, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:24:p:16976-:d:1006696
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