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Exploring the Coupling Relationship Between Urbanization and Ecological Quality Based on Remote Sensing Data in Shenzhen, China

Author

Listed:
  • Fangfang Sun

    (Shenzhen Academy of Environmental Science, Shenzhen 518001, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Chengcheng Dong

    (Shenzhen Academy of Environmental Science, Shenzhen 518001, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Longlong Zhao

    (Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China)

  • Jinsong Chen

    (Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China)

  • Li Wang

    (School of Surveying and Land Information Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China)

  • Ruixia Jiang

    (Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
    School of Surveying and Land Information Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China)

  • Hongzhong Li

    (Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China)

Abstract

As a flagship city of China’s reform and opening-up policy and the core engine of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen faces dual challenges of economic development and ecological conservation during its rapid urbanization. This study systematically investigates the relationship between urbanization and ecological quality in this high-density megacity over the past three decades (1990–2020) using multi-temporal Landsat imagery, incorporating an enhanced Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI), impervious surface extraction techniques, and a Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD) model. Key findings include: (1) Impervious surfaces expanded from 458.15 km 2 to 709.23 km 2 , showing a tri-phase pattern of rapid expansion, steady infill, and slight contraction, with an annual growth rate of 1.47%; (2) Ecological quality exhibited a “decline-recovery” trajectory, with RSEI values decreasing from 0.477 (1990) to 0.429 (2000) before rebounding to 0.491 (2020), demonstrating phased ecological fluctuations and restoration; (3) The CCD between urbanization and ecological environment improved significantly from “marginal coordination” (0.548) to “primary coordination” (0.636), forming a distinct “west-high-east-low” spatial pattern with significant clustering effects. This study reveals a novel three-dimensional synergistic pathway (“industrial upgrading-spatial optimization-ecological restoration”) for sustainable development in megacities, establishing the “Shenzhen Paradigm” for ecological governance in rapidly urbanizing regions worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Fangfang Sun & Chengcheng Dong & Longlong Zhao & Jinsong Chen & Li Wang & Ruixia Jiang & Hongzhong Li, 2025. "Exploring the Coupling Relationship Between Urbanization and Ecological Quality Based on Remote Sensing Data in Shenzhen, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-24, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5887-:d:1688270
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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