An assessment of ecological carrying capacity of Xilingol, Inner Mongolia

In this empirical study, we used an ecological footprint model to calculate ecological footprint and ecological carrying capacity of Xilingol under the backdrop of coal-fired power plants development. Subsequently we discussed dynamic changes in ecological carrying capacity of Xilingol. Between 2000 and 2011, per capita ecological footprint in Xilingol gradually increased from 3.215 global hectares (gha) to 8.189 gha. Meanwhile, per capita ecological carrying capacity decreased annually from 5.419 gha to 4.584 gha during the same period. Between 2000 and 2005, Xilingol was still in the ecological surplus stage, while from 2006 to 2011, the study area showed ecological deficit, and the deficit reached a high value of 3.605 gha in 2011. The excessive exploitation of fossil fuels and overgrazing were the main reasons for the existing ecological deficit. To reduce the ecological deficits of fossil fuels and realise the sustainable development in Xilingol, more efforts should be made in introducing and implementing coal conversion and circular economic projects, improving power conversion rate in situ, realising development amidst conservation, implementing grassland ecological conservation and development, developing sustainable animal husbandry, and raising industrialisation level of animal husbandry, thereby enhancing the ecological carrying capacity of Xilingol.