Spatiotemporal Evolution and Regional Differences of Urban Ecological Resilience in the Middle Yangtze River City Cluster

Junwen Cao; Yuxin Xie

doi:10.2478/eces-2026-0016

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Spatiotemporal Evolution and Regional Differences of Urban Ecological Resilience in the Middle Yangtze River City Cluster

Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S

Volume 33 (2026): Issue 2 (June 2026)

By: Junwen Cao and Yuxin Xie

Open Access

|Jul 2026

Abstract

This study evaluates the spatio-temporal evolution and regional disparities of urban ecological resilience (UER) in the middle Yangtze River city cluster (MYR city cluster) from 2010 to 2022. Based on a “resistance-adaptability-restoration” framework, we construct a multi-indicator evaluation model and apply the entropy weight method to measure resilience levels. Spatial autocorrelation analysis (Moran’s I and LISA) identifies clustering patterns, while Markov chains and Dagum’s Gini coefficient reveal dynamic transitions and regional differences. Finally, the geodetector method is used to explore influencing factors. Results show that overall UER has improved, with restoration surpassing resistance and adaptability, though fluctuations remain. Spatially, high-value clusters are concentrated in the Poyang Lake area, while low-value clusters are located in the Wuhan City Circle, with evident “club convergence” and path dependence. Regional disparities in UER are narrowing, but intra-regional imbalance persists, especially in the Wuhan City Circle and Changzhutan City Cluster. Precipitation, topographic relief, and investment in pollution control emerge as the dominant drivers, with interactive effects stronger than single-factor influences. Policy recommendations include strengthening ecological compensation, tailoring resilience-building strategies to geographic conditions, and enhancing cross-regional governance. These findings offer direct scientific support for ecological engineering decisions and pollution-control planning in the MYR city cluster, thereby contributing to sustainable development and ecological management in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/eces-2026-0016 | Journal eISSN: 2084-4549 | Journal ISSN: 1898-6196

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Language: English

Page range: 287 - 301

Published on: Jul 14, 2026

Published by: Society of Ecological Chemistry and Engineering

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

urban ecological resilience,

Related subjects:

Ecology,

Sustainable and green chemistry

© 2026 Junwen Cao, Yuxin Xie, published by Society of Ecological Chemistry and Engineering
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Volume 33 (2026): Issue 2 (June 2026)