Governance Responses to Urban Sustainability Challenges: Insights from a PSR-Based Coordination Analysis in Guangzhou, China

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamics of sustain­able urban development in Guangzhou, a rapidly growing megacity in southern China. Using the Pres­ure–State–Response (PSR) model, the research constructs a comprehensive indicator system to assess sustainability performance across econom­ic, environmental, and governance dimensions. Cou­pling coordination analysis is applied to evaluate the degree of synergy among these subsystems from 2013 to 2022, while regression analysis identifies key drivers influencing their alignment. The findings reveal that Guangzhou experienced notable fluctua­tions in sustainability coordination, with policy inter­ventions playing a critical role during periods of high alignment. Economic transformation, infrastructure development, and environmental investment are found to be significant contributors to coordination, while industrial pressure and regulatory lag present persistent challenges. The study highlights the value of integrated assessment frameworks in supporting evidence-based governance and offers insights for other fast-growing cities seeking to balance devel­opment and environmental responsibility under the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.