Abstract
This study uses the undesirable output and super-efficiency slacks-based measure combined with window (WIN-US-SBM) data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate the environmental efficiency (EE) in 30 Chinese provinces, from 2005 to 2016, explores regional differences in the EE, and uses the dynamic spatial Durbin model (DSDM) to analyze regional differences in effects of important factors on the convergence of EE. It reveals that EE in the eastern area is higher than EE in the central and western areas, and a positive spatial autocorrelation exists in the interregional EE. The difference in provincial EE gradually narrows over time and tends to converge to its own steady-state level. Economic growth reduces EE for the central and western areas and improves efficiency for the eastern area; economic growth from surrounding areas indirectly promotes local EE for the eastern area. Foreign direct investment (FDI) promotes EE in the eastern and central areas, and FDI in the adjacent areas has a positive effect on local EE for the eastern area. Export reduces EE for all areas, and export in surrounding areas indirectly promotes local EE for the central area. Industrialization reduces EE in the western area, and industrialization in the surrounding areas increases local EE for the eastern area. Energy efficiency promotes EE for the central area, urbanization increases EE for the central area, and urbanization of the surrounding areas reduces local EE for the eastern area.
Highlights
Fossil energy consumption has led to heavy pollution in a wide range of areas in China over recent years, and it has attracted international attention
The following conclusions are drawn based on the empirical analysis: (1) Significant regional differences exist in EE, EE is obviously higher in the eastern area than EE in the central and western areas, and a positive spatial autocorrelation exists in the Chinese interregional EE. (2) The gap between provincial EE exists in the central area, and the provincial EE gradually converges to the same steady-state level for the eastern and western areas; the difference in provincial EE gradually narrows over time and tends to converge to its own steady-state level
(2) Because positive spatial autocorrelation exists in inter-regional EE, governments in different areas should enhance their awareness of joint defense and control and strengthen cooperation in the field of environmental protection; the local governments should strengthen the cooperation among different provinces
Summary
Fossil energy consumption has led to heavy pollution in a wide range of areas in China over recent years, and it has attracted international attention. Most of the central and western areas are inland with relatively underdeveloped transportation and many unfavorable factors for economic and social development. The economic base, industrial structure, export, foreign direct investment (FDI), population density, and urbanization have significant heterogeneity, in different areas of China. The answers are important to understand the current regional EE status and for taking measures to improve future EE. What factors affect the spatial convergence degree of EE in different areas? In this regard, this study explores regional differences in EE and discusses the effects of important factors, such as GDP per capita, industrial structure, export, FDI, energy efficiency, and urbanization, on the convergence of EE. This study provides a theoretical basis for formulating effective countermeasures of sustainable development for relevant decision-making departments
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