Water–Energy–Land–Food Nexus Performance and Regional Inequality Toward Low-Carbon Transition in China
The transition to a low-carbon economy in China necessitates an integrated understanding of the interdependencies within the water–energy–land–food (WELF) nexus. This study evaluates the performance of the WELF nexus across Chinese provinces and examines regional disparities that may hinder or facil...
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| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Land |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/7/1343 |
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| author | Qi Yao Hailin Cao Ruilian Zhang |
| author_facet | Qi Yao Hailin Cao Ruilian Zhang |
| author_sort | Qi Yao |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The transition to a low-carbon economy in China necessitates an integrated understanding of the interdependencies within the water–energy–land–food (WELF) nexus. This study evaluates the performance of the WELF nexus across Chinese provinces and examines regional disparities that may hinder or facilitate sustainable development goals. Using a multi-dimensional performance index and spatial econometric analysis, we identified key synergies and trade-offs among resource systems under low-carbon policy scenarios. The results revealed significant regional inequalities in nexus efficiency, with economically developed regions exhibiting higher integration and resource optimization, while less-developed areas face persistent structural challenges. These disparities underscore the need for regionally tailored policy interventions that address localized constraints while promoting cohesive national strategies. Our findings provide critical insights for policymakers aiming to align resource management with China’s climate commitments and sustainable development agenda. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e73ba68a65c142e6b10c6440e58f275d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2073-445X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Land |
| spelling | doaj-art-e73ba68a65c142e6b10c6440e58f275d2025-08-20T03:32:27ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2025-06-01147134310.3390/land14071343Water–Energy–Land–Food Nexus Performance and Regional Inequality Toward Low-Carbon Transition in ChinaQi Yao0Hailin Cao1Ruilian Zhang2School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, ChinaSchool of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, ChinaSustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, AustraliaThe transition to a low-carbon economy in China necessitates an integrated understanding of the interdependencies within the water–energy–land–food (WELF) nexus. This study evaluates the performance of the WELF nexus across Chinese provinces and examines regional disparities that may hinder or facilitate sustainable development goals. Using a multi-dimensional performance index and spatial econometric analysis, we identified key synergies and trade-offs among resource systems under low-carbon policy scenarios. The results revealed significant regional inequalities in nexus efficiency, with economically developed regions exhibiting higher integration and resource optimization, while less-developed areas face persistent structural challenges. These disparities underscore the need for regionally tailored policy interventions that address localized constraints while promoting cohesive national strategies. Our findings provide critical insights for policymakers aiming to align resource management with China’s climate commitments and sustainable development agenda.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/7/1343just transitionland managementwater–energy–land–food nexusclimate changeregional inequality |
| spellingShingle | Qi Yao Hailin Cao Ruilian Zhang Water–Energy–Land–Food Nexus Performance and Regional Inequality Toward Low-Carbon Transition in China Land just transition land management water–energy–land–food nexus climate change regional inequality |
| title | Water–Energy–Land–Food Nexus Performance and Regional Inequality Toward Low-Carbon Transition in China |
| title_full | Water–Energy–Land–Food Nexus Performance and Regional Inequality Toward Low-Carbon Transition in China |
| title_fullStr | Water–Energy–Land–Food Nexus Performance and Regional Inequality Toward Low-Carbon Transition in China |
| title_full_unstemmed | Water–Energy–Land–Food Nexus Performance and Regional Inequality Toward Low-Carbon Transition in China |
| title_short | Water–Energy–Land–Food Nexus Performance and Regional Inequality Toward Low-Carbon Transition in China |
| title_sort | water energy land food nexus performance and regional inequality toward low carbon transition in china |
| topic | just transition land management water–energy–land–food nexus climate change regional inequality |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/7/1343 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT qiyao waterenergylandfoodnexusperformanceandregionalinequalitytowardlowcarbontransitioninchina AT hailincao waterenergylandfoodnexusperformanceandregionalinequalitytowardlowcarbontransitioninchina AT ruilianzhang waterenergylandfoodnexusperformanceandregionalinequalitytowardlowcarbontransitioninchina |