Measurement and evaluation of the material metabolism capability in typical Chinese cities

Abstract

Based on neoclassical economic theories, such as the production possibility curve (production possibility frontier) and the social welfare indifferent curve, a model to measure urban material metabolism was proposed and an urban development mode was determined in this paper. Taking twelve typical Chinese cities as study subjects, the metabolic flux and eco-efflciency of water, energy and waste were calculated with a measurement model and their metabolic capabilities were evaluated extensively on their eco-efflciency and eco-equity ability. On the basis of material metabolism capability evaluated with the index of eco-efflciency and eco-equity, policymakers can determine the root cause of urban eco-environmental problems and take measures to optimize the process of urban material metabolism to achieve healthy urban ecosystem.