Impacts of slope climbing of urban expansion on global sustainable development

Summary: The slope climbing of urban land expansion (SE) has become prevalent and unique characteristics in urban form, landscape, and governance pose challenges for sustainable development worldwide. However, there has been limited attention given to the SE over a long time series. This study quantifies and evaluates global SE using slope spectrum analysis on urban entities from 2000 to 2020. Findings show an increase in global urban entities and an upward trend in average slope. Notably, China has experienced rapid SE due to unprecedented urbanization. The study emphasizes the importance of considering SE in sustainable urban development and formulating effective governance policies and strategies.

Summary: The study investigates the expansions of human activities in Asian highlands from 2000 to 2020, finding that most of these expansions come from ecological lands. This intensifies habitat fragmentation and results in large ecological costs in low and lower-middle income countries while also supporting Asian developments.

Summary: The study reveals the evolution of vertical urban expansion in China from 1990 to 2015 using multi-period land cover and slope data. The phenomenon of climbing on slopes has become increasingly apparent over time, with the number of cities developing built-up land on high slopes increasing. The intensity of slope climbing spatially increased from north to south and showed a low-high-low pattern from west to east.