Analysis of ecological environment differences and attribution between China and India

Vegetation greening not only offers climate benefits but also enhances residents' well-being in urban areas. China and India lead the world in terms of global greening. However, systematic studies summarizing the green development levels of both countries are still lacking. Here, we explore the regional significant greening levels and spatial distribution characteristics of China and India across multiple spatial scales using the significant greening level as an indicator. Additionally, we analyze the diverse relationships between significant greening in China and India and factors such as land use, economy, and population. The results indicate that areas with significant greening in China are primarily located in some mountainous regions in the central and eastern parts, while in India, areas with significant greening are mainly distributed in plain and plateau regions. Within significantly greening areas, 55.57% in China are forests, and 95.67% in India are croplands. The greening level in built-up areas in China is mostly positively correlated with economic factors, but in economically disadvantaged areas, the greening level is not necessarily the lowest. In Indian built-up areas, the greening level is negatively correlated with the economy. Regarding the relationship with urbanization, the greening level in the surrounding areas of built-up areas in both China and India generally decreases with the increasing degree of urbanization's influence, but the damage caused by urban development to the greening level in India is much higher than in China. 83% of cities in China have medium-range per capita greening levels, while 60% of cities in India have per capita greening levels in the lower range. A systematic analysis and summary of China and India's greening development can provide strategic references for other developing countries to enhance greening initiatives and improve their level of sustainable development.