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Revealing the driving factors for structure changes of regional water consumption: an empirical study of the middle route project of the South-to-North Water Diversion in China

Author

Listed:
  • Yuntong Zhao

    (Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology)

  • Li Guo

    (Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology)

  • Yun Li

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Yixin Zhu

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Zhe Cheng

    (Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology)

Abstract

The South-to-North Water Diversion (SNWD) is a mega water infrastructure project that aims to alleviate the water shortage in northern China and promote regional sustainable development. To quantitatively evaluates the structure changes and driving factors of water consumption in the four provinces along the middle route project of SNWD (MRP-SNWD) after the operation of the MRP-SNWD, this study takes domestic, agricultural, and industrial water consumption as the objects, employs the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model to identify the changes in water consumption and the contribution rate of the driving effects based on data from 2014 to 2020. The structure, technical, economic, population, irrigation, and production effects have varied degrees of influence on regional demotic, agricultural, and industrial water consumption. Additionally, there is a significant spatial variability in the contribution rates of the driving forces behind water consumption changes. This study contributes to integrated water resources management and sustainable water development by providing a scientific basis for efficient use of regional water resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuntong Zhao & Li Guo & Yun Li & Yixin Zhu & Zhe Cheng, 2025. "Revealing the driving factors for structure changes of regional water consumption: an empirical study of the middle route project of the South-to-North Water Diversion in China," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(5), pages 10415-10438, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:5:d:10.1007_s10668-023-04316-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-04316-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ang, B.W., 2015. "LMDI decomposition approach: A guide for implementation," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 233-238.
    2. Zhe Cheng & Yuntong Zhao & Tao Song & Le Cheng & Wenbin Wang, 2023. "White Elephant or Golden Goose? An Assessment of Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project from the Perspective of Regional Water Use Efficiency," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 37(2), pages 819-834, January.
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    4. Michael Webber & Britt Crow-Miller & Sarah Rogers, 2017. "The South–North Water Transfer Project: remaking the geography of China," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 51(3), pages 370-382, March.
    5. Liu, Yazhou & Bian, Jiacong & Li, Xiangmei & Liu, Shuyi & Lageson, David & Yin, Yingkai, 2020. "The optimization of regional industrial structure under the water-energy constraint: A case study on Hebei Province in China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
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