Open AccessA nonlinear mathematical model investigating the sustainability of an urban system in the presence of haphazard urban development and excessive pollution
Author(s) -
Jyotsna Kumari,
Tandon Abhinav
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
natural resource modeling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.28
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1939-7445
pISSN - 0890-8575
DOI - 10.1111/nrm.12163
Subject(s) - sustainability , population , sustainable development , urbanization , urban forest , natural resource , environmental planning , pollution , urban planning , environmental resource management , natural resource economics , business , environmental science , geography , environmental protection , ecology , economic growth , economics , civil engineering , engineering , forestry , biology , demography , sociology
The study investigates the sustainability of an urban system in the presence of haphazard urban development taking place in cities, through the use of nonlinear model system of differential equations. Here, the urban system comprises of urban forests and population, along with different development activities and associated pollution. In addition to equilibrium points and their stabilities, the qualitative behavior of the model system is also being established by determining the uniform persistence. However, quantitative behavior is being predicted through numerical solutions of the model system. The obtained behaviors demonstrate that unplanned development and its associated excessive pollution can disturb the stability of the urban system. It is also being revealed that overexploitation of forest resources by population and devastation of forest resources, as well as of population, through pollutants concentration may also pose a serious threat for a sustainable urban system in the long time. Recommendations for Resource Managers The sustainability of an urban system in the presence of haphazard development activities and excessive pollution is a matter of great concern as it may lead to extinction of urban forests as well as of urban population. The admissible amount of control over urban development through government intervention is necessary for the orderly development of urban areas in harmony with natural environment. This would also help in protecting forest resources and, therefore, on the survival of its dependent population. Urban forestry should be practiced, where emphasis should be on plantation of such vegetation, trees, and shrubs, etc., which have the pollution tolerating and mitigating abilities. In order to establish sustainable urban system, urban development activities should harmonize the people and the environment, while taking proper advantage of abundant natural resources.