Interaction mechanisms of urban ecosystem resilience based on pressure-state-response framework: A case study of the Yangtze River Delta

• According to the strict PSR framework, the distribution of UER in different dimensions in the YRD is measured. • Based on the concept of adaptive cycle, PVAR model is used to help in-depth understanding of UER’s operating mode. • Offers diverse insights into regional UER collaborative governance to promote sustainable human-land relationships. The unprecedented pace of urbanization has intensified environmental concerns, underscoring the critical importance of bolstering urban ecosystem resilience (UER) in contemporary cities. This study presents a Pressure–State–Response framework for evaluating the UER within the Yangtze River Delta region spanning 2012 to 2021. Utilizing spatial visualization techniques and the panel vector auto–regressive model, spatial differentiation patterns and interaction mechanisms among sub–dimensions are examined. Findings indicate an overall positive trajectory of UER, characterized by decreasing Pressure, noteworthy steady growth in State, and rising Response. Spatially, Pressure is higher in the north and lower in the south, with large cities becoming new centers of high pressure; State is higher in the southwest mountains and lower in the northeast plains; Responses center around Shanghai, expanding toward the southwest and northwest. The complex interactions between Pressure, State, and Response form a nested cycle of UER, indicating that the UER in the Yangtze River Delta is evolving towards a more rational development trend, where the tight mechanism of societal Response plays a key role. The implications underscore the urgent need for tailored regional governance strategies that leverage spatial variations, balance human impact on ecosystems, and optimize dimensional interactions for resilient city development. This research contributes a comprehensive framework for understanding and enhancing ecological resilience in the Yangtze River Delta region, offering valuable insights into regional governance and long–term urban ecological sustainability amidst global environmental challenges.