Unveiling the Patterns and Drivers of Ecological Efficiency in Chinese Cities: A Comprehensive Study Using Super-Efficiency Slacks-Based Measure and Geographically Weighted Regression Approaches

Abstract

Urban ecological efficiency stands as a pivotal indicator that mirrors the level of sustainable development within cities. To unravel the sustainable development status of Chinese cities and illuminate the factors impacting the diverse developments among them, this study leveraged the super-efficiency SBM (slacks-based measure) model to assess the ecological efficiency of 284 prefectural-level and above cities across China in 2019, divulging their spatial distribution. Furthermore, a GWR (geographically weighted regression) model was also employed to scrutinize the factors influencing the ecological efficiency of these cities. Key findings include: (1) The mean ecological efficiency of Chinese cities in 2019 stood at 0.555, signaling moderate urban sustainability, with southern cities outperforming their northern counterparts. (2) A pronounced spatial clustering of ecological efficiency was evident, featuring positive spillover effects around high-efficiency cities and conversely, negative spillover effects around low-efficiency cities. (3) Economic development and population density positively influenced urban ecological efficiency, while urbanization levels exhibited a negative impact. The influences of industrial structure, technological level, and opening-up level varied, showcasing both positive and negative impacts contingent upon the spatial disposition of the cities. Hence, policymakers are advised to recognize the spatial nuances in the impacts of distinct factors on urban ecological efficiency and tailor measures accordingly to fortify urban sustainability.