Coupling coordination analysis of China's water resources utilization efficiency and economic development level

One of China's key initiatives has always been to coordinate the development of water resources and the economy. This research taking specific data as an example, and develop an evaluation index system of coupling coordination degree (CCD) for evaluating China's water resources utilization efficiency (WUE) and economic development level (EDL). To estimate the weight of each index of WUE and EDL, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method (EWM) have been employed. Furthermore, the coupling coordination index of 31 provinces and cities in China was calculated using the coupling model, and the coupling coordination relationship between WUE and EDL in China's 31 provinces was empirically explored under the current development trend. Finally, the spatial global autocorrelation and local autocorrelation of the CCD are analyzed, and the dynamic evolution process of the coupled coordinated development of water resources and economy in 31 provinces in China from 1987 to 2017 is also summarized. The study put up a plausible theoretical framework and empirical support in order to accomplish the sustainable development of WUE and EDL. The findings show that; from 1987 to 2017, the comprehensive development capacity of the two systems of WUE and EDL in China's 31 provinces have continuously improved, and the coordination between the two systems of mutual adaptation and common development has gradually increased, however, the level of CCD has not significantly leapfrogged. The CCD of the four regions shows that eastern region is better than western region, and central region is better than northeast region. As a result, China, as a developing country, continue to face significant challenges in terms of sustainable development of WUE and EDL. In order to improve the WUE and their alignment with economic development, the government should begin by raising water-saving awareness, improving the wastewater recycling and reuse, optimizing the industrial structure, and strengthening agricultural water-saving efforts; while pursuing economic development, ensure the safety and health of the aquatic environment.