Regional Differences in the Direct and Indirect Impacts of China's Urbanization Process on Vegetation

Abstract Urbanization profoundly influences urban vegetation dynamics. Variations in development stages lead to differing direct (vegetation loss) and indirect (vegetation growth) impacts across old urban areas, new urban areas, and suburban, with unclear spatiotemporal mechanisms. This study examines 112 Chinese cities, constructing NDVI response curves along urbanization intensity gradients using NDVI and impervious surface data from 2000 to 2020. It quantifies direct and indirect urbanization effects in these zones and analyzes climatic and anthropogenic drivers via partial correlation analysis. Results indicate that (a) urbanization generally induces positive indirect effects, with the strongest enhancement in old urban areas (1.77%/year), followed by new urban areas (1.30%/year) and suburban (0.91%/year). (b) Indirect vegetation gains provide varying compensation. Old urban areas compensate 2.09% of these losses each year, while new urban areas compensate for 1.27%/year, and suburban compensate 0.72%/year. (c) Urbanization intensity trends dominate indirect enhancement, while climatic factors co‐regulate vegetation growth. This research offers a scientific foundation for tailored ecological restoration strategies and sustainable urban development.