Dynamic evolution of ecological carrying capacity based on the ecological footprint theory: A case study of Jiangsu province

The regional ecological environment has been facing serious challenges in China due population growth and urbanization. Therefore, it is imperative to study dynamic evolution of ecological footprint and ecological carrying capacity based on the ecological footprint theory. For this purpose three cities namely, Nanjing, Nantong, and Huai'an of Jiangsu province of China were analyzed to estimate the ecological status of the province and its internal differences by discussing the dynamic evolution characteristics of the provincial and typical urban ecological conditions. The results indicated that per capita ecological carrying capacity of Jiangsu province has increased; however, the ecological deficit of cultivated land was generally large due to poor public land use planning. In order to protect cultivated land, and improve its utilization it is recommend to efficient use of resources to improve the ecological carrying capacity, strengthen ecological restoration to reduce ecological deficits, and provision of equal facilities in village areas to reduce urbanization.