Coupling coordination analysis of the economy-ecology-society complex systems in China's Wenchuan earthquake disaster area

Natural disasters have a profound and far-reaching impact on human society, economic progress, and ecological stability. Swift post-disaster reconstruction, aiding economic recovery, and minimizing social losses are paramount for attaining sustainable development in afflicted regions. This study delves into the coupling and coordinated development of the economic-ecological-social (EES) complex system during the post-disaster reconstruction following the Wenchuan earthquake in China. Using data spanning from 2005 to 2020, we constructed a comprehensive indicator system for the EES complex system. Subsequently, a coupled evaluation framework was established to assess its sustainable and coordinated development. Employing the AHP-entropy method and the coupled coordination degree model (CCD), we explored the interrelationships within the EES complex system. The results indicate that the CCD of the EES system in Wenchuan exhibited an upward trend in the decade following the earthquake, significantly expediting sustainable development in the disaster-stricken area. Geographically, CCD scores increased from the northeast to the southwest, revealing distinct stratification differences. Furthermore, CCD closely correlated with geographic location, ecological resource endowment, science and education, and the labor force. The study also analyzed spatial discrepancies in CCD scores and identified underlying factors. Based on these findings, we offer policy recommendations to fortify infrastructure development, reconfigure industrial layout, and heighten environmental consciousness. These results offer valuable insights for decision-making in post-disaster recovery and sustainable development.

Automated summary

Post-disaster reconstruction is crucial for achieving sustainable development in affected regions. This study explores the coupling and coordinated development of the economic-ecological-social (EES) complex system during the post-disaster reconstruction following the Wenchuan earthquake in China. The results indicate that post-disaster reconstruction significantly accelerates sustainable development, with distinct geographic stratification differences. Factors such as geographic location, ecological resource endowment, science and education, and the labor force are closely related to the coordination degree of the complex system.