Two-Stage Super-Efficiency Slacks-Based Model to Assess China's Ecological Wellbeing

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Economics
• Regional Science

Background:

• Industrialization and urbanization in China have led to increased ecological problems, including pollution and resource waste.
• Assessing ecological wellbeing performance (EWP) is crucial for balancing economic growth with environmental limits and human welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of EWP in China.
• To establish an evaluation index system for EWP considering ecological economic efficiency and economic welfare efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a two-stage super-efficiency slacks-based model (Super-SBM) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) window analysis.
• Measured EWPs in 30 Chinese provinces from 2006 to 2017.

Main Results:

• The average EWP in Chinese provinces was low (0.698), with notable variations (highest in Beijing, Hainan, Shanghai; lowest in Xinjiang, Ningxia, Qinghai).
• Provincial EWP exhibited a fluctuating "decline-rise-decline-rise" trend between 2006 and 2017.
• Spatially, EWP was influenced by a "Beijing-Shanghai-Hainan-Sichuan" quadrangular pole, radiating outwards.

Conclusions:

• Findings provide theoretical insights and practical implications for regional ecological protection and human welfare improvements in China.
• Highlights the need for targeted strategies to enhance EWP across diverse Chinese provinces.