Unrevealing the coupling coordination degree between atmospheric CO₂ concentration and human activities from...

Anthropogenic activities exhibit intricate and significant relationships with atmospheric CO₂ concentration. Dissecting the spatiotemporal patterns and potential drivers of their coupling coordination relationships from geospatial and temporal perspectives contributes to the benign coordinating development between the two. The coupling coordination degree (D) and types, and their potential influencing factors in China were explored using a coupling coordination model, emerging hotspot analysis, and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression model. Results revealed D was dominated by basic coordination in China with notable spatial disparities. Generally, D exhibited higher values in the eastern regions and lower values in the western regions divided by the Hu Line. Furthermore, Central and East China exhibited lower coordination degrees compared to other eastern regions. A total of 15 spatiotemporal dynamic patterns were identified across China. Hot spot patterns were concentrated in the eastern regions of the Hu Line, while cold spots were mainly observed in the western regions. The coupling coordination types exhibited a distinct pattern of "coordination in the east and incoherence in the west, divided by the Hu Line". Over time, there was a shift from lower-level to more benign coordinated types. Additionally, the D and coupling coordination types demonstrated significant spatial agglomeration characteristics, and intercity alliances and enhanced collaborations are essential for sustaining low-carbon improvements. The mechanisms and intensities of various factors on D exhibited spatiotemporal differences. The key drivers influencing coupling coordination types varied depending on the specific type. Additionally, the scales of these drivers affecting D changed over time. It is essential to consider natural and meteorological factors and their scaling effects when developing policies to enhance coupling coordination level. These results have significant implications for assessing the relationship between atmospheric CO₂ and human activities and provide guidance for implementing effective low-carbon development policies.