Study on function evolution and coupling coordination degree of "Three Lives Space" in the upper reaches of Yangtze River in China

Analyzing the functional evolution characteristics and coupling coordination of the "Three Lives Space" in the upper reaches of Yangtze River (URYR) is crucial for achieving high-quality, coordinated development and ecological protection in the region. Based on the panel data of the production function, living function, and ecological function of 31 cities in the URYR from 2010 to 2020, this study establishes the evaluation index system of the "Three Lives Space" function and analyzes its spatio-temporal evolution characteristics and spatial correlation by utilizing the coupling coordination degree model and spatial autocorrelation test. The results indicate that (1) the functional coupling coordination of 31 cities in the URYR exhibits a steady upward trend as a whole, which can be characterized by a sequence of stages, including the disordering decline in disorder, barely coordination, primary coordination, and intermediate coordination. (2) The 31 cities in the URYR have significant spatial agglomeration characteristics. Among them, most cities in Sichuan Province and Chongqing City have high-high gathering effects, and most cities in Guizhou Province and Yunnan Province have low-low gathering effects. Therefore, it is imperative to scientifically and rationally organize the production, living, and ecological space, collectively safeguard the crucial ecological barrier of the URYR, and promote its integrated development.

Impact of digital finance on urban ecological resilience: evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China

From the emergence of the new coronavirus pandemic to extreme climatic catastrophes, the development and enhancement of urban ecological resilience has evolved into a critical and strategic imperative. Investigating the capacity of digital finance to promote urban ecological resilience bears substantial relevance to the sustainable advancement of urban centers. This study examines the influence of digital finance on urban ecological resilience by applying a benchmark regression model on data from 107 prefecture-level cities within the Yangtze River Economic Belt across 2011-2020. Additionally, this study delves into its mechanism and spatial spillover impacts via a mediating effect model and a spatial effect model. The findings revealed that (1) digital finance strengthens the ecological resilience of the locale and beneficially impacts the surrounding regions; (2) digital finance enhances urban ecological resilience by fostering technological innovation and reducing energy intensity; and (3) in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, digital finance plays a greater role in improving urban ecological resilience. Cities with high level of traditional financial development, high level of economic development and high intensity of environmental regulation have a more obvious role in promoting urban ecological resilience. Within the paradigm of ecological civilization, it is advisable for governmental bodies to fortify inter-regional digital financial collaboration, refine the green financial infrastructure, and advocate for sustainable, low-carbon, high-quality urban development.