Spatial-temporal evolution of driving mechanisms of city resilience: A Sichuan-based case study

Abstract

The rapid development of urbanization has brought a series of challenges to cities, including a shortage of resources, environmental pollution, social inequality and escalating disaster risks. Cities, especially those in underdeveloped regions, are more vulnerable because they face multiple challenges and pressures. Thus, in developing countries, and in particular in China’s western region, which has experienced more intense urbanization, the implementation of city resilience is especially crucial. Representative of China’s western region, Sichuan Province, was the first province to issue an outline of local practice planning, styled "Beautiful China Construction." Sichuan is thus a pioneering venture in China’s effort to develop city resilience. Presently, however, existing literature on resilience governance has targeted developed regions, which is of limited application in developing countries and regions. Therefore, this study adopts a multi-dimensional and multi-method research design, aimed at bringing to light the key dimensions of city resilience, and analyzing the degree to which these align with China’s “Beautiful Sichuan Policy.” The results reveal that: (1) During the period from 2015 to 2021, city resilience showed an obvious upward trend, stability has been enhanced, relative variability has decreased, there is a radiation effect among cities, and a right-skewed uneven distribution is observed. (2) The spatial distribution of city resilience is unbalanced, with Chengdu and Panzhihua experiencing a relatively high level of resilience, while other areas remain relatively low. (3) City resilience is influenced by many interacting factors. Economic recovery ability, the level of urban development, policies and institutions, and infrastructure development have different degrees of positive impacts. However, sewage discharge levels have different effects on city resilience over time. These research results provide important theoretical support and policy references regarding city resilience construction practice and city resilience research.