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Assessment of Coupling Synergy Level Between Regional Development and Ecological Environment: A Case Study of Chengdu-Chongqing Dual-City Economic Circle, China

Author

Listed:
  • Yujing Duan

    (Education Evaluation and Supervision Division, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China)

  • Yuan Liang

    (School of Mathematical Sciences, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
    College of Management Science, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
    Geomathematics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China)

  • Zhong Wang

    (College of Management Science, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China)

  • Qingyun Ji

    (School of Mathematical Sciences, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
    Geomathematics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China)

Abstract

The increasing tensions between urban development and ecological environments in China, as evidenced by the country’s rapidly globalising and urbanising society, pose significant challenges to the implementation of sustainable development strategies. In order to evaluate the coupled coordination degree (CCD) between regional development (RD) and ecological carrying capacity (ECC) within the Chengdu-Chongqing Twin Cities Economic Circle, this study proposes a comprehensive CCD evaluation framework. This framework includes indicator analysis, quantitative measurement of coupling coordination, identification of coupling types, and evaluation of coordination impacts. The results indicate that regional development is on a growth trajectory while ecological carrying capacity lags behind. The coupling coordination has shifted from a state of ’basically uncoordinated’ to ’basically coordinated’, exhibiting a decreasing gradient in spatial distribution, with core cities demonstrating leadership. The study thus provides a set of optimised strategies tailored to cities at different stages of development, offering a theoretical foundation and decision-making framework for promoting quality development within the Chengdu-Chongqing Twin Cities Economic Circle.

Suggested Citation

  • Yujing Duan & Yuan Liang & Zhong Wang & Qingyun Ji, 2025. "Assessment of Coupling Synergy Level Between Regional Development and Ecological Environment: A Case Study of Chengdu-Chongqing Dual-City Economic Circle, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:1998-:d:1600203
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fengting Zhang & Md Nazirul Islam Sarker & Yang Lv, 2022. "Coupling Coordination of the Regional Economy, Tourism Industry, and the Ecological Environment: Evidence from Western China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-19, January.
    2. Zhang, Qian & Shen, Juqin & Sun, Fuhua, 2021. "Spatiotemporal differentiation of coupling coordination degree between economic development and water environment and its influencing factors using GWR in China's province," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 462(C).
    3. Rahman, Mohammad Mafizur & Alam, Khosrul, 2022. "Impact of industrialization and non-renewable energy on environmental pollution in Australia: Do renewable energy and financial development play a mitigating role?," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 203-213.
    4. Nannan Liang & Linlin Zhao, 2024. "An Efficiency and Coupling Analysis of Chinese Regional Economic and Environmental Sustainability Based on a Super-SBM Model and Coupling Coordination Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-20, May.
    5. Zhang, Xin & Luo, Hao & Zeng, Xiaoyu & Zhou, Chenyi & Shu, Zhile & Li, Huayun & Fei, Zheng & Liu, Guichuan, 2024. "Research on regional economic development and natural disaster risk assessment under the goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality: A case study in Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
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