Urban Lifestyle

The dynamics of urbanisation changes residents' lifestyles which in turn drives the interactions between human activities, ecosystem services, and urban form. It is important to understand how urban residents' daily activities such as water and energy consumption, transport patterns and mode, and waste disposal and recycling impact on the environment.

Eco-urban Management

The management of eco-urbanisation is challenged by the complex web of activities across different spatial scales and across different policy sectors. There is a need to integrate people, community, city-region and nation vertically, and to horizontally coordinate development for economic growth, social justice and environmental sustainability. Innovative methodological approaches through dynamic integrative modelling will be developed for a more effective eco-management system.

Policy Framework

A robust and implementable policy framework is essential for achieving a new style of sustainable urban development in China. The development of a strategic and collaborative spatial monitoring framework will facilitate the integration of master planning, land use planning and economic planning at the metropolitan regional level.

Case Study

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei metropolitan region (BTHMR) is one of the most developed regions in China, with an annual urbanisation rate of 1.38%. Being the 3rd largest urban agglomeration, the region enjoys an annual GDP growth at 13.08% and had a total GDP 4,059 billion CNY (US$612.5 billion) in 2011. It is widely regarded as the major political, cultural and economic centre of northern China, yet still suffers from significant environmental problems. BTHMR is an important test bed for government policies in China and a critical case from an international perspective as it is the largest consumption centre in Asia.