The impact of public eco-concern on urban eco-efficiency: A dual perspective analysis of net effect and configuration

Urban sustainable development is an important topic of concern across various sectors of society, and how to enhance urban eco-efficiency (UEE) is a critical question of our time. As an essential component of the institutional environment, the relationship between public eco-concern (PEC) and UEE requires a more nuanced exploration and validation. Based on the data collected from 279 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2020, this study employs a combination of spatiotemporal analysis, spatial Durbin model (SDM), and panel qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of both the variables and their interrelations. The following conclusions were drawn. First, during the study period, the UEE values exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, whereas PEC showed a contrasting developmental direction. The spatial stratification of UEE was not prominent, with the overall equilibrium gradually improving; however, a polarization trend persisted, mainly characterized by a high-high clustering pattern in certain areas. Conversely, the equilibrium of PEC gradually declined, predominantly showing a high-low clustering pattern. Second, PEC significantly enhanced the UEE of the local and neighboring areas. Regionally, the western region aligned with the overall trend, whereas PEC in the eastern and central regions significantly affected the local UEE. Finally, through configurational analysis, the boundary scenarios of PEC were identified, which included two possibilities (PEC→∼CEE, ∼PEC→CEE) and five high-dimensional applicable scenarios. Results indicate important theoretical and practical insights into the utility mechanisms of PEC, contributing to the realization of urban sustainability development.