New-type urbanization and ecological well-being performance: A coupling coordination analysis in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River urban agglomerations, China

Urbanization within the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River (UAMRYR) faces increasing tension between growth, human welfare, and ecological preservation. This study investigates the interplay between new-type urbanization (NTU) and ecological well-being performance (EWP) as potential mitigation approaches. Using the entropy weight topsis and super-efficiency SBM models, we quantify NTU and EWP within the UAMRYR. Additionally, the coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) elucidates the intricate dynamics between these systems. Our findings indicate that NTU is underdeveloped, particularly economically and socially. The EWP underwent volatile periods before rapid expansion. The majority of CCD exhibited low coordination, oscillating between 0.4 and 0.5. Spatial analysis showed marked polarization within the UAMRYR and a "high-low-moderate" core-periphery distribution. Guided by these insights, we suggest policies to enhance CCD between NTU and EWP. These strategies aim to align sustainable urban growth with economic development, balanced ecological preservation, and human welfare enhancement.