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Measurement and spatiotemporal dynamic evolution of regional ecological efficiency in China from the perspective of undesirable outputs

Author

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  • Tian, Kang
  • Yu, Mingyang
  • Hong, Xiong
  • Chen, Zhen
  • He, Ke
  • Wang, Haoyu
  • Shi, Lei

Abstract

In the context of global resource limitations and environmental degradation, enhancing ecological efficiency has become a pivotal strategy for achieving sustainable development objectives. This research implemented a Slack-based measure Super-efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis (Super-efficiency SBM-DEA) model, incorporating undesirable outputs, to assess China's regional ecological efficiency levels and analyse their overall patterns. Three input factors-construction land, total energy consumption, and total water consumption-were used to identify the factors contributing to ecological inefficiency in each region. This study utilises spatial statistical analysis methods to quantitatively investigate the global spatial evolution characteristics of regional ecological efficiency and the transformation of Hot & Cold spot patterns. The findings reveal that the Super-efficiency SBM-DEA calculation model, which introduces pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) as undesirable output indicators, aligns the regional ecological efficiency model more closely with production realities. Under the constraints of resource endowment and the uneven spatial distribution of production factors, significant disparities in ecological efficiency are observed among provinces and municipalities (autonomous regions), with the eastern region demonstrating a notably higher ecological efficiency than the central and western regions. From a spatial perspective, China's ecological efficiency level exhibits marked volatility, though the overall index value remains low. The east-west distribution of Hot & Cold spots is distinct, with the hot spots primarily concentrated in the economically advanced eastern coastal areas. These findings provide a valuable reference for measuring ecological efficiency and developing sustainable development strategies in various countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Tian, Kang & Yu, Mingyang & Hong, Xiong & Chen, Zhen & He, Ke & Wang, Haoyu & Shi, Lei, 2025. "Measurement and spatiotemporal dynamic evolution of regional ecological efficiency in China from the perspective of undesirable outputs," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 1897-1913.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:86:y:2025:i:c:p:1897-1913
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2025.05.028
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    1. Ren Fang-Rong & Wu Tao-Feng & Zhang Qing-Qing, 2025. "Ecological–environmental transformation efficiency in China: regional disparities, modeling challenges, and prospects for long-term sustainability governance," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-20, December.

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