Frontiers in Environmental Science (Jan 2025)
Spatial-temporal pattern and driving mechanism of urban land use eco-efficiency in mountainous counties based on multi-source data: a case study of Zhejiang province, China
Abstract
Improving urban land use eco-efficiency (ULUEE) is of great significance for promoting high-quality economic development and promoting the modernization of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. In this study, the super efficiency SBM model with undesirable output was used to measure the level of ULUEE at the county scale in Zhejiang province from 2006 to 2022. Based on this, the spatial-temporal evolution and spatial agglomeration characteristics were analyzed by using spatial analysis techniques, kernel density analysis, and spatial autocorrelation model. Finally, the driving mechanisms were revealed by using the geographical detector model and GWR model. The results were as follows: (1) From 2006 to 2022, the ULUEE of Zhejiang province rose from 0.34 to 0.73, with an average annual growth rate of 2.44%. The degree of efficiency differences between counties gradually converged. (2) The ULUEE at the county level exhibited a significant spatial positive correlation, with Moran’s I index increasing from 0.3219 to 0.3715. On the local scale, the cold spot significant area was mainly distributed in the north and south of Zhejiang province, and significant spatial and temporal variations were observed within the hot spot significant area. (3) The results of factor detection showed that altitude (X1), topographic relief (X2), and forest cover (X3) always played a strong role in affecting ULUEE. Among the socioeconomic factors, foreign trade (X8) had the strongest explanatory power in the early period, and GDP per capita (X5) and industrial structure (X6) played the strongest role in the later period. The explanatory power of all influencing factors decreased over time. (4) At the local scale, GDP per capita (X5), industrial structure (X6), and fiscal expenditure scale (X7) presented positive effects on ULUEE, and development vitality (X9) presented a negative effect. Future endeavors should encompass a multifaceted approach, which includes the facilitation of industrial modernization and the enhancement of external economic engagement. Concurrently, it is imperative to capitalize on the region’s inherent economic strengths and to foster a low-carbon, environmentally sustainable economic model.
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