Examining the coupling relationship between urbanization and natural disasters: A case study of the Pearl River Delta, China

Abstract Natural disasters have presented many challenges and threats to rapid urbanization. A better understanding of the relationship between urbanization and natural disasters would support for the sustainable city development. However, the coupling relationship between urbanization and natural disasters is still unclear and it is insufficient in quantitative characterization. Taking the Pearl River Delta as a case study, we presented an index system for urbanization and natural disasters and established a coupling coordination model to explore the coupling relationship between them. The urbanization level was evaluated from four dimensions: population, space, society, and economy. The disaster-causing factor, disaster prevention and mitigation, and disaster loss were used to describe the disaster system. The coupling coordination model indicated that the development of urbanization to a certain level was beneficial for reducing disaster loss. The coupling degree between urbanization and the disaster system increased, which in the central cities was significantly higher than that in the eastern and western cities. Cities with high urbanization levels had higher coupling degrees, indicating that a high level of urbanization helped prevent natural disasters. Therefore, understanding the coupling relationship between them and its development can guide the promotion of the coordinated relationship between urbanization development and disaster prevention.