Research on the coupling effect of water security and socio-economy in five economic zones of Sichuan Province, China

Abstract

ABSTRACT The uneven distribution, scarcity, and pollution of water resources can significantly hinder socioeconomic development. A conceptual framework of Water Resources Endowment-Efficiency-Pressure-Response-Structure-Cycle (2EPRSC) was proposed, and 16 indicators were selected to establish the evaluation index system. Taking the five economic zones in the Sichuan Province of China as the research area, the genetic algorithm optimized entropy weighting method-cloud model was applied to determine the water security grades. Subsequently, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model was established based on water security system (WSS)-SES to analyze the CCD. The results showed that (1) temperature and investment were the two indicators with more significant impacts on water security in Sichuan Province. (2) From 2012 to 2022, water security in Sichuan Province as a whole presented a decreasing and then increasing trend. (3) From 2012 to 2022, CCDs of the WSS-SES in Sichuan Province's economic zones were mostly at moderate imbalance, with the Chengdu Plain economic zone showing the highest CCD. Overall, the CCD scores across the economic zones were on an ascending trajectory. The study, grounded in the state of water security and CCD in Sichuan, can forge a scientific foundation for the sustainable development of WSS-SES.