Coupling Coordination Analysis of Ecosystem Services and Urbanization in Inner Mongolia, China

Given that ecological and environmental functions are greatly influenced by rapid urbanization, a clear understanding of the relationship between ecosystem services (ESs) and urbanization is urgently needed to improve sustainable development in Inner Mongolia. In this study, we first carried out ecosystem service valuation (ESV) using the value coefficient method. We then examined the urbanization level using a comprehensive indicator system. Finally, we applied the coupling coordination degree model to analyze the coordination relationship between ecosystem services and urbanization from 1995 to 2020 in Inner Mongolia. The results showed that there was an increase in both the urbanization level and all ecosystem services excluding climate regulation, environmental purification, and biodiversity services. The coupling coordination degree (CCD) of Inner Mongolia is not ideal, and most counties remain at a low level of coordination degree. Furthermore, spatiotemporal heterogeneity was evident in the CCD of ecosystem services and urbanization as it was higher in the center and east of the country, but lower in the north and west regions. Relevant policies should be implemented to strengthen the advantages of local ecology, encourage environmentally friendly industrialization, and promote ecologically and economically sustainable development.