Spatio-temporal heterogeneity and influencing factors in the synergistic enhancement of urban ecological resilience: Evidence from the Yellow River Basin of China

Urban ecological resilience (UER) reflects the ability of cities to adapt to environmental changes and cope with natural disasters. Further, UER is an important perspective for understanding human–land relations in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). We constructed a novel system of UER evaluation indicators from the perspective of synergistic enhancement, with 99 cities in the YRB as objects for the research conducted from 2011 to 2021. The spatiotemporal heterogeneity and network pattern of UER were measured using the Theil index and modified gravity model. The factors influencing UER in the YRB were analysed using a multiscale geographically weighted regression model. The results show that (1) regarding time-series analysis, the UER in the YRB shows a fluctuating upward trend from 20.89 in 2011 to 26.23 in 2021, with the contribution of ecological image being the largest. The UER at different reaches, urban agglomerations, and cities varied considerably. (2) Regarding spatial analysis, the UER has a ‘center-periphery’ spatial distribution pattern dominated by provincial capital cities. The spatial network shows a '几'-shaped distribution pattern similar to the YRB mainstream distribution. Regarding UER connectivity, the ability for cross-regional joint development has improved. (3) The main influencing factors were urbanisation rate, education level, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and upgrading of the industrial structure, which represent urban development progress and geographical ecological characteristics. This study expands UER measurement and provides a basis and reference for synergistic enhancement of UER in the YRB. •A novel system of urban ecological resilience (UER) evaluation indicators from the perspective of synergistic enhancement is proposed.•The annual averages of the UER in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) from 2011 to 2021 exhibit a pattern of year-to-year increase.•The spatially heterogeneous effect on UER in the YRB is detected, the network structure of UER is unbalanced, and the stability of spatial network connections is increasing.•UER is determined by the trajectory of urban growth and geo-ecological characterization.•Strengthening UER through enhanced system coordination is necessary.