The spatio-temporal evolution and transformation mode of human settlement quality from the perspective of “production-living-ecological" spaces--a case study of Jilin Province

Amidst rapid industrialization and urbanization, urban and rural human settlements have witnessed marked transformations, each exhibiting distinct developmental trajectories and challenges. Utilizing the “Production-Living-Ecological" spatial theory within territorial planning, this study devises a comprehensive evaluation system for human settlement quality. It delineates the evolution of human settlement quality across 47 counties (districts) in Jilin Province from 1999 to 2020, elucidates the interplay among the three aforementioned dimensions, and identifies the prevailing modes of human settlement transformation. Key findings include: (1) Jilin Province has seen significant enhancements in human settlement quality. Notable shifts in this quality occurred in 2006 and 2015. The synergy and reciprocal influences among the production, living, and ecological dimensions have intensified, with coordination continually advancing. (2) Human settlement quality varies with higher levels in the east and south and lower levels in the west and north in Jilin Province, indicating a spatial clustering pattern. Living and ecological conditions are generally better in the east compared to the west, with noticeable economic-environmental mutual constraints in the west. (3) Given a certain socio-economic development threshold, the trajectory of human settlement quality sketches an overarching “S"-shaped growth pattern. This can be categorized into the first phase of fluctuation, followed by the second phase of significant growth and the third phase of slowing growth. This research furnishes foundational insights for fostering green, low-carbon human settlements and promotes the exploration of harmonious interactions between humans and nature, particularly within the ambit of carbon peak and neutrality objectives.