[Spatial Correlation Network Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Energy Carbon Emission Efficiency in Yangtze...

Under the background of the "dual carbon" goals, the collaborative optimization of energy carbon emission efficiency is of great significance for regional sustainable development. Taking the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration as the research area, the energy carbon emission efficiency was measured based on the super-efficiency SBM model, and the spatial correlation network characteristics and factors affecting energy carbon emission efficiency in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration were revealed by using the improved gravity model and social network analysis method. The research found that: ① The energy carbon emission efficiency showed a steady upward trend over time, and the spatial correlation among cities in terms of energy carbon emission efficiency was becoming increasingly close, showing obvious network characteristics. ② Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, and other cities were in the core position of the network and became "net beneficiaries," while Anqing, Tongling, Wenzhou, and other cities played the role of "net spillover" in the network and had a strong spillover effect on surrounding cities. Suqian, Bengbu,Bozhou, and other cities were representatives of the "broker" sector, assuming the intermediary function of transferring resources and information between different sectors. Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Hefei, and other cities belonged to the "two-way spillover" sector, both exporting and receiving resources, playing a key role in connecting and integrating in the interactive cooperation between cities. ③ The spatial correlation of energy carbon emission efficiency is influenced by multiple factors such as geographical proximity, economic development level, industrial structure, and public service facilities. Based on the above, policy suggestions such as strengthening the leading role of core cities, building a cross-city carbon trading mechanism, and improving the energy utilization capacity of low-efficiency cities are proposed to promote the collaborative optimization of energy carbon emission efficiency in urban agglomerations.