The Leizhou Peninsula is a major grain-producing region. It contains the largest mangrove and coral reef conservation areas in mainland China, which were regarded as important milestones in coastal ecosystem conservation. However, existing studies rarely integrate socio-ecological dynamics (evolution) into ecosystem conservation assessment frameworks, and they are often conducted over specific periods rather than a continuous timescale. The regime shifts and turning points of specific indicators, as well as their interactions and drivers, have not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, this study examined socio-ecological evolution using a combination of model estimations, site observations, and statistical records. Five decades of significant economic growth (p < 0.0001) substantially altered industrial structures, and the dominant role of primary industry was steadily substituted (with a percentage drop of up to 31.4%) by second and tertiary sectors, impacting population and employment structures. Urban industrial development created employment opportunities, encouraging resident migration from rural to urban areas as diverse employment opportunities, livelihoods, and urban–rural land-use transformation were shaped by industrial structure adjustments. Agricultural output growth was characterized by structural adjustments that transformed from an agriculture-dominated mode to a balanced development mode combining multiple industries. The prosperity of animal husbandry, forestry, and fisheries enhanced industrial and livelihood diversity, which was beneficial for ensuring livelihood stability and sustainable economy. Study findings are supposed to enrich understanding about the interplay and management of socio-ecological systems, and provide references for coastal ecosystem conservation and regionally coordinated development in China and beyond.

As a clean and renewable energy source, wind energy offers lower development and utilization costs than solar energy, making it the most promising renewable option. However, the carbon footprint of offshore wind power and its external impacts on cross-regional carbon emissions have not been investigated sufficiently. Using the provinces of Guangdong and Jiangsu as case studies, this study employs socioeconomic and environmental statistical data. It applies the environmentally extended multi-regional input–output (EE-MRIO) method to quantify cross-regional environmental spillover effects associated with offshore wind power development. The findings show that China’s power structure has been continuously optimized, with offshore winds achieving leapfrog growth since 2010. Through a “local consumption” model, offshore wind power in Guangdong and Jiangsu has effectively replaced coal-fired generation, substantially reducing carbon emissions locally and in neighboring areas. Jiangsu has reduced CO₂ emissions by 16.72 million tons annually, and Guangdong by about 7.23 million tons annually. Furthermore, offshore wind development drives the green transformation of upstream industries (e.g., steel, non-ferrous metals, and chemicals). It extends carbon-reduction benefits to resource-rich regions such as the Northwest and North China. As major manufacturing hubs, both provinces lowered the embodied carbon intensity of their export products by using clean electricity, thereby indirectly reducing the national carbon footprint through cross-regional trade. This study offers scientific insights to help policymakers optimize offshore wind layouts, facilitate coordinated regional emission reductions, and advance sustainable energy transitions.