Ecosystem health assessment based on AHP-DPSR model and impacts of climate change and human disturbances: A case study of Liaohe River Basin in Jilin Province, China

Rapid urban development, increasing urban population, and drastic land-use changes may cause deterioration of ecosystem health and pose a serious threat to sustainable development. In this study, the analytic hierarchy process-driving-pressure-state-response (AHP-DPSR) model was used to evaluate the ecosystem health of the Liaohe River Basin in Jilin Province, China. The DPSR model was used to select indicators, and 29 indicators were selected for the ecosystem health evaluation index system, including four aspects of driving, pressure, state, and response. At the same time, the weights of each index were determined using AHP, and the spatiotemporal change pattern of ecosystem health in the past 15 years was assessed. The results of the ecosystem health assessment in the study area were spatially spread using ArcGIS software. Finally, the influence of climate and human activities on ecosystem health status was explored. Spatial autocorrelation analysis of the ecosystem health structure was conducted to provide suggestions for the subsequent improvement of ecosystem health quality and sustainable development in the region. The results showed the following: (1) From 2005 to 2020, the health level of the ecosystem in the study area generally showed a trend of improvement. The percentages of ecosystem health in the study area, from high to low in 2020 were 26%, 24%, 31%, 12%, and 7%. (2) The regions with high spatial autocorrelation in 2020 were Gongzhuling City, Dongliao County, Xi'an District, and Longshan District. These areas can be prioritized for ecological management of the region. (3) The spatial and temporal variation in ecosystem health in the Liaohe River Basin of Jilin Province is significantly influenced by precipitation, temperature, and GDP in the region. The conclusions of this study can provide policy references and scientific guidance for the ecological environmental protection and sustainable development of the Liaohe River Basin in Jilin Province.