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Assessing the Impact of Climate-Resilient City Development on Urban Sustainability: Evidence from China

Author

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  • Wenchong He

    (College of Business and Economics, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia)

  • Xinrui Guo

    (College of Business and Economics, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia)

  • Congwen Zhang

    (College of Business and Economics, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia)

Abstract

Developing a climate-resilient city (CRC) is a crucial strategy to improve the integrated adaptability of urban areas, enhance their livability, and fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper utilizes panel data from 298 cities at or above the prefecture level in China, spanning from 2007 to 2022. Treating the 2017 CRC pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment, this study applies a difference-in-differences (DID) model to evaluate its effects and mechanisms on urban sustainable development by comparing changes in outcomes between pilot and non-pilot cities over time. The research indicated that the establishment of CRC significantly improves urban sustainable development, with this impact being more pronounced in regions characterized by inadequate infrastructure, lower administrative capacity, and low extreme climate risk. Mechanism analysis reveals that industrial structure optimization and talent attraction serve as primary channels, while green technology innovation and heightened public environmental awareness provide complementary support. These mechanisms jointly reinforce the effectiveness of the CRC policy. Furthermore, CRC implementation generates positive geographical spillover effects, enhancing sustainability in neighboring cities through demonstration effects and policy diffusion. This paper offers an empirical foundation for advancing the pilot initiatives of climate-resilient urban development and presents policy recommendations for the expedited advancement of sustainable urban growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenchong He & Xinrui Guo & Congwen Zhang, 2025. "Assessing the Impact of Climate-Resilient City Development on Urban Sustainability: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-26, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4381-:d:1654023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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