Work

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Optimization of Urbanization–Water Environment Coupling in the Cheng-Yu Region

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution and optimization pathways for the coupling and coordinated development between urbanization and water environment governance in the Cheng-Yu region. A comprehensive evaluation index system was constructed to measure the Urbanization Development System (UDS) and Water Environment Governance System (WEGS), while a coupling coordination model was applied to assess the temporal and spatial relationships between the two systems from 2013 to 2021. The results demonstrate significant temporal and spatial variations in the coordination between urbanization development and water environment governance. Initially, UDS was relatively low, while WEGS was higher but grew at a slower pace. Post-2020, rapid urbanization led to UDS surpassing WEGS, indicating increased environmental pressures. The coupling coordination index rose steadily, improving from severe imbalance to high coordination by 2021. However, disparities persist between cities, with industrial cities like Neijiang showing high UDS but low WEGS, highlighting the need for better water resource governance. Conversely, cities with high WEGS but low UDS, such as Ya’an, should capitalize on their water resources to foster sustainable urban growth. This research provides important theoretical insights and practical recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing the need to balance urbanization with environmental sustainability. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic interactions between urban development and water environment governance, offering a foundation for optimizing future policies in the Cheng-Yu region and beyond.

Source: Land

DOI: 10.3390/land14020412

Authors: Binghao Sun, Xinlan Liang, Bingchang Li, Jiahao Liu, Lingfeng Wu, Yizhang Liu

Institution: Sichuan Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Water Resources and Sustainability

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137