Assessing the Interaction Mechanisms and Multiscale Spatial Dynamic Effect of the Economy–Land–Ecological Environment System on the Loess Plateau of China

Abstract The Loess Plateau is a representative loess accumulation area in China, and the coordinated development of its cities is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change threats. This research develops the economy–land–ecological environment (ELE) system to quantify the coordinated development status through the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and applies the multiscale geographically weighted regression model to reveal spatial dynamic effects of key driving factors. Based on the analysis, the results indicate that the overall CCD is at a moderate level, with the Ordos Plateau showing a high CCD level and the Longzhong Plateau a low CCD level. Second, the more developed a city, the higher the CCD value. Third, there is a significant spatial autocorrelation of CCD in the Loess Plateau, and the northern region of the Loess Plateau exhibits a high–high clustering pattern. Finally, there is substantial spatial nonstationarity among driving factors. Specifically, industrial structure, urbanization, foreign direct investment, and industrialization tend to facilitate coordinated development. Technological innovation and environmental governance gradually reduce their inhibiting effects and shift toward a promoting role. The constraining impact of population density becomes increasingly prominent. The ELE framework and the multiscale spatial analysis proposed in this study provide urban planners in other ecologically fragile regions with a general tool to identify key development constraints, set priorities for governance objectives, and design refined and sustainable urban development plans.