Research on the Coupling and Coordination Effects of Water, Energy, and Economy From the Perspective of Land Degradation

ABSTRACT Global land issues are becoming increasingly critical, with challenges such as land pollution and land degradation threatening food security and ecological balance. In the context of land degradation, this study utilized panel data from 27 prefecture‐level cities in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration from 2008 to 2020. This research adopted a comprehensive methodology, first constructing three subsystem indicator systems for water, energy, and economy; second, applying a comprehensive evaluation model to assess the overall system index; and third, using a coupling coordination degree (CCD) model to evaluate the interaction among these subsystems. Additionally, exploratory spatial data analysis was employed to examine the spatial and temporal dynamics of the region's synergistic development. Results indicated that the overall evaluation index of the “water‐energy‐economy” system in YRD from 2008 to 2020 showed an overall downward trend, with the comprehensive evaluation index of each subsystem, except the energy subsystem, remaining below 0.6. In addition, the system's CCD level showed a gradual upward trend, with overall stability and medium‐level coordination. Hefei and Hangzhou improved faster, both surpassing 0.6. The CCD of the “water‐energy‐economy” system exhibited urban agglomeration, mainly high and low value agglomeration, and the system coordination between neighboring areas gradually strengthened. To address land degradation and promote sustainable development, policymakers should develop tiered water pricing mechanisms for industrial sectors and incentivize water recycling in high‐consumption cities. Additionally, fostering intercity collaboration to enhance resource efficiency and drive economic growth should be prioritized. The findings offer a foundation for government strategies aimed at achieving sustainable development goals and mitigating land degradation in the YRD.