The human–water relationship in the Yellow River Basin is extremely complex, and the human–water relationship discipline is a powerful tool to solve difficult problems caused by the complexity. This study firstly analyzes the historical evolution of the human–water relationship in the Yellow River Basin. Secondly, we summarize some representative problems in dealing with the human–water relationship. Then, on the basis of discussing the main contents of the human–water relationship discipline, the possible solutions to the difficult problems are discussed. Taking the Yellow River water distribution dilemma as an example, we carry out a detailed application. Finally, the possibility of applying human–water relationship discipline to complex basin research is analyzed, and the future research prospects of the discipline are put forward. Results reveal that: (1) River diversion and unreasonable human activities are the main driving factors for the ecological evolution of the Yellow River Basin. In addition, the basin is currently in the “Protective coordination stage”. (2) The complexity of the human–water relationship is the root of many difficult problems, and forming a sound disciplinary system of human–water relationship discipline is the key to breaking through these difficult problems. (3) The Yellow River water distribution scheme based on human–water relationship discipline is consistent with the current water use pattern of the basin. (4) The theory and method system of human–water relationship discipline is also feasible and universal for other complex basins.

China has proposed “ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin” to a major national strategy, which puts forward higher requirements for water, energy, and food along the Yellow River (TYR). However, the water–energy–food nexus (WEF) system in TYR basin is very complicated. Based on the theory and method of harmonious regulation, this paper puts forward a new WEF harmony framework (WEFH) to study the harmonious balance of WEF in TYR. WEFH cannot only evaluate the harmonious balance of WEF, but also identify the main influencing factors, and further study the harmonious regulation of WEF. For the key steps of regulation and control, we provide a variety of methods to choose from in this framework. In practice, we apply this framework to the regulation of WEF in the nine provinces along TYR. The results show that during 2005–2018, the harmony degree of WEF in the nine provinces along TYR is between 0.29 and 0.58. The harmony degree of WEF has improved over time, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. Among them, per capita water resources, hydropower generation ratio, carbon emissions, and another 12 indicators have great influence on the harmony of WEF. We have established eight control schemes for nine of these indicators. In eight control schemes, most areas have reached a moderate level of harmony degree. These results show that the framework proposed in this paper is helpful to the comprehensive management of regional WEF and provides a viable scheme for the optimization of WEF.

As a substantial developmental framework aimed at tackling environmental challenges, the development of intensive use of urban land (IUUL) has yet to actualize its ecological efficacy fully. Improving the spatial distribution of factor resources can play a pivotal role in unlocking the ecological potential of IUUL, with a special emphasis on the effective allocation of financial resources. The emergence of digital finance (DF), such as Alipay and Pocket Banking, has notably enhanced the efficiency of financial resource allocation. Nonetheless, empirical data concerning the ability of DF to enhance the ecological significance of IUUL are scarce, and the mechanisms driving these processes remain obscure. This research utilizes panel data from 282 prefecture-level cities spanning 2011–2020 to explore the potential of DF in enhancing the ecological value of IUUL through the lens of urban ecological resilience (UER). The results suggest that DF has the potential to significantly enhance the positive impacts of IUUL on UER significantly, thereby further unlocking the ecological value of IUUL. Mechanisms analysis reveals the potential of DF to unlock the ecological value of IUUL by fostering regional green innovation (GI), rationalizing industrial structure (RIS), and overall upgrading of industrial structure (OUIS). Moreover, the heterogeneity analysis suggests that the effect is more prominent in economically advanced eastern regions, regions with more comprehensive infrastructure, and regions with more favorable innovation environments. This paper highlights the potential of DF to enhance UER through IUUL, offering empirical evidence for the profound fusion of the digital economy and the real economy to drive green transformation. It also charts a course for the real economy’s green transformation and the sustainable development of the economy.