Spatial-temporal evolution and ecological sustainability analysis of ecological footprint in Heilongjiang Province

To analyze the ecological sustainability status of Heilongjiang Province, the equivalence factor and yield factor were constructed based on net primary productivity (NPP), and the ecological footprint and ecological carrying capacity of Heilongjiang Province from 2000 to 2020 were calculated by the improved ecological footprint model. Also, the spatial pattern changes of ecological footprint were revealed, and the status of ecological sustainability was analyzed. The results showed: Firstly, the equivalence factor of different lands was in the order of forest land > grassland > cultivated land > water area, and the value of the yield factor was water area > grassland > forest land > cultivated land. Secondly, the growth rate of ecological footprint per capita was much greater than the ecological carrying capacity per capita over the past 21 years in Heilongjiang Province, resulting in an increasingly serious ecological deficit per capita. However, ecological footprint per capita first showed increased status and then stabilized when considering domestic trade. It was in the state of ecological deficit from 2005 to 2010, then in the state of ecological balance after 2010, and there was obvious spatial heterogeneity. Thirdly, Heilongjiang Province had always been in a state of light consumption of asset stock and the capital flow of arable land and grassland could not meet social needs. The ecological footprint of fossil fuels had grown rapidly in-depth and it was manifested by a high ecological deficit. Lastly, the overall regional development of Heilongjiang Province was in a state of slightly unsafe and weak sustainable development and the grassland had been in a state of strong unsustainability for a long time. The ecological environment status of Heilongjiang Province had been effectively improved in recent years; however, the problem of uneven utilization of land resources was prominent and should be paid attention to.