Coupling coordination relationship between urbanization and atmospheric environment security in Jinan City

Abstract Constant urbanization growth has seriously increased the influence of urbanization development on atmospheric environment security (AES). Thus, understanding the relationship between urbanization and the atmospheric environment security is necessary for Chinese policymakers to achieve sustainable urbanization development. In this study, we estimated the relationship between urbanization and atmospheric environment security in Jinan City from 1996 to 2004 on the basis of the theory of Environmental Kuznets Curves (EKC). A comprehensive index system for urbanization and atmospheric environment security was used along with statistical data and a coupling coordination degree model (CCDM). The coupling coordination results showed that the urbanization and atmospheric environment security system experienced serious imbalance between low coupling period (1996–1997), moderate disorders of coupling period (1998–2000), imbalance of antagonism period (2001–2002), basic coordinated period (2003–2008), and good coordination of highly coupled period (2008–2014). The spatial urbanization and efficiency subsystems are essential determinants of urbanization in the coupling relationship between urbanization and atmospheric environment security. We determined the main factors that influence the system to provide a basis for creating scientific urban development strategies and atmospheric environment protection measures. The findings of this study held a profound significance for further work on urbanization and provided essential data for planning in the future.