Walking the Tightrope: Policy-Driven Synergy among Land Use Intensity, Ecological Security, and Carbon Neutrality in Northwest China

Amidst rapid global economic expansion and population growth, the sustainable management of land resources, promotion of low-carbon economies, and preservation of ecological environments have become pivotal challenges for achieving sustainable development. This study evaluates the synergistic relationships among land-intensive utilization (LIU), low-carbon economy (LCE), and ecological environment protection by constructing a comprehensive coupling coordination model. Our analysis reveals significant regional disparities: cities in Shaanxi Province demonstrate notably lower levels of integrated development across these three subsystems compared to their counterparts in central and eastern China. Specifically, Xi'an, Xianyang, and Tongchuan exhibit delayed ecological responses, while Xianyang, Yulin, and Hanzhong face challenges in land consolidation efforts. The remaining cities show inadequate progress in transitioning toward a low-carbon economy. The coupling coordination degree (CCD) analysis presents a heterogeneous spatial pattern: only Xi'an, Yulin, and Xianyang achieve advanced coordination, while other cities remain at intermediate CCD levels, failing to reach high-grade coordination. Spatial autocorrelation tests further indicate the absence of significant clustering or dispersion patterns, suggesting minimal neighborhood influence on CCD distribution across the region. These findings highlight the urgent need for tailored policy interventions that simultaneously enhance LIU efficiency, accelerate LCE transitions, and strengthen ecological conservation measures. This study provides critical insights for optimizing resource allocation strategies and promoting balanced urban development that harmonizes economic growth with ecological sustainability. The proposed framework offers practical guidance for policymakers seeking to achieve long-term sustainable development goals in rapidly urbanizing regions.