Mineral resource-based cities have long faced dual pressures from ecological conservation and resource development. Understanding the coupling coordination between human activities and the ecological environment in these cities—constructed using proxies for human-ecological interactions based on multi-source remote sensing data—and the mechanisms underlying their spatiotemporal evolution is crucial for promoting sustainable development. Taking Dexing City, China—a typical mineral resource-based city—as a case study, the human activity intensity (HAI) and the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) were constructed. Using the coupling coordination degree model and spatial autocorrelation analysis, the coupled human and ecology coordination degree (CHECD)—including its value and spatial clustering—was quantified over 2014–2023. Furthermore, by integrating the random forest model with the SHapley Additive exPlanations method, the nonlinear driving mechanisms and interactive effects of natural and socioeconomic factors on the CHECD were analysed. Our findings indicate that: (1) The HAI in Dexing City increased continuously, with a total growth of 47.25% over the study period. The quality of the ecological environment, represented by RSEI, transitioned from fluctuating to stable, with a slight net increase (0.08%). The relationship between HAI and RSEI was less coordinated in the earlier period (2014–2018), while a positive trend of synergistic growth emerged in the later period (2019–2023). (2) The CHECD in Dexing City increased from 0.55 (2014) to 0.61 (2023), reaching a stage of moderate coordination. Spatially, CHECD exhibits a pattern of “low in southeast, high in northwest”, along with significant positive spatial autocorrelation and temporal stability. Over 80% of the study area exhibited improved coordination, reflecting synergistic enhancement in human-ecological interactions. (3) The digital elevation model was the most critical factor influencing CHECD, exhibiting a significant negative correlation: low-elevation areas contributed most positively to coordination, with this effect particularly pronounced under high dryness index. Tree cover (TC) was the next most important factor. Its contribution to CHECD exhibited diminishing marginal returns and a significant interaction with the habitat quality index (HQI); specifically, the contribution of TC fluctuated markedly under combinations of low TC and low HQI. The positive relationship between carbon emissions and CHECD suggests that economic gains from resource development may be translated into ecological benefits under effective policy interventions. Based on these findings, policy recommendations are proposed for sustainable development in Dexing City and analogous regions, with a focus on spatial planning and industrial restructuring. • A novel framework for quantitatively coupled human-ecological coordination (CHEC). • The degree of CHEC in the study area increased since 2019 • The degree of CHEC exhibits significant spatial clustering and temporal stability. • Elevation, tree cover, and carbon emissions are the key nonlinear drivers.
Wen et al. (Thu,) studied this question.