Investigation of a coupling model of coordination between urbanization and the environment

Using China's coastal cities as a case study, this paper presents a comprehensive index system for assessment of the level of urbanization based on four aspects: demographic urbanization, economic urbanization, social urbanization and spatial urbanization. The developed index system also characterizes the environment based on three factors: environmental pressure, environmental level and environmental control. The findings indicate that it is necessary to substantially reduce the emissions of industrial pollutants, develop a circular economy and use resources efficiently for the long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability of the cities.