Evaluation of Geo-Environment Carrying Capacity Based on Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS Method: A Case Study of China

The resource environment is a fundamental prerequisite for the construction of ecological civilization and the realization of sustainable development goals. It is also a core guarantee for human production activities. Conducting an evaluation of regional geo-environmental carrying capacity has significant practical importance for achieving sustainable development in the region. However, the existing evaluation methods for geo-environmental carrying capacity fail to effectively integrate multi-source data, resulting in an incomplete reflection of the level of regional geological carrying capacity. To address this issue, this study introduces the intuitionistic fuzzy multi-attribute decision-making method into the geo-environmental carrying capacity evaluation, according to the unique topographic and geomorphological characteristics of the region. A complete analysis framework is established, which integrates the intuitionistic fuzzy and TOPSIS models to classify the geo-environmental carrying capacity evaluation into five grades: high, relatively high, medium, relatively poor, and poor. Using Meishan, China as an example, the region is divided into 33 geomorphological units based on its geographical features. The results show that: (a) the percentage of natural units with high carrying capacity is 17.27%, that of relatively high natural units is 14.07%, that of medium natural units is 31.70%, that of relatively poor natural units is 27.51%, and that of poor natural units is 9.45%; (b) the geo-environmental carrying capacity exhibits spatial differences and uneven distribution. Furthermore, the average annual rainfall and degree of karst development are the main factors affecting the geo-environmental carrying capacity. These research results and findings can provide technical support for urban planning, regional sustainable development, and ecological environmental protection.

Automated summary

This study introduces the intuitionistic fuzzy multi-attribute decision-making method into the evaluation of geo-environmental carrying capacity. Using Meishan, China as an example, it establishes a complete analysis framework and classifies the evaluation into five grades. The results show spatial differences and uneven distribution in geo-environmental carrying capacity, with average annual rainfall and degree of karst development being the main influencing factors. These findings can provide technical support for urban planning, regional sustainable development, and ecological environmental protection.