Coupling Coordination and Spatiotemporal Evolution of Low-Carbon Logistics, Industrial Agglomeration, and Regional Economy in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Abstract

The logistics industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, but also poses significant challenges to the economy, society, and environment due to increasing carbon emissions. Therefore, coordinated development between the logistics industry and regional economy has become a strategic choice for achieving sustainable development. Taking the Yangtze River Economic Belt as an example, this study constructs an evaluation index system of “low-carbon logistics–industrial agglomeration–regional economy” to explore the coupling coordination relationship and spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the three systems from 2006 to 2020. Furthermore, it analyzes the spatial correlation features and evolutionary trends of the coordinated development among the three systems. The results indicate that during the study period, the coupling coordination degree among the three systems in the Yangtze River Economic Belt showed a fluctuating upward trend but with a relatively low level of coordination. There were significant regional differences, presenting a stepped distribution pattern of “high in the east and low in the west.” The coordinated development among the three systems exhibited a significant positive spatial correlation, with “H–H” and “L–L” agglomerations being dominant. The spatial distribution of coupling coordination degree remained relatively stable, with the overall center of gravity located in the southeast of Hubei Province. The spatial evolution pattern showed a distinct “northeast–southwest” direction. Finally, suggestions for the coordinated and sustainable development of the three systems are put forward.