Coupling coordination analysis of new urbanization and rural decarbonization in China

While promoting economic development, New Urbanization (NU) hinders low-carbon development in rural areas. The coordinated development of NU and RD is necessary for sustainable social development. This study empirically investigates the development level and the coupling and coordination degree between NU and Rural Decarbonization (RD) in 31 provinces of China from 2006 to 2020. The study results show that: (1) NU and RD levels gradually increase, but substantial spatial and temporal differences exist. (2) From 2006 to 2020, the coupling and coordination degree of NU and RD develops from a partial imbalance to a high level of healthy coordination. (3) The NU subsystem presents an inhibitory and then promotional effect on RD. (4) For the eastern and western regions, the external influences on the CCD of NU and RD are different, and differentiated approaches and strategies should be adopted in different regions. The study provides a scientific basis and theoretical guidance for advancing sustainable social development.