In the heart of China, the Chengdu Plain Economic Zone (CPEZ) is undergoing a green revolution, and new research is shedding light on the driving forces behind this transformation. A study led by Li Ma from the Engineering Research Center of Rural Environmental Protection and Green Low-carbon Development of Sichuan Province at Mianyang Normal University has uncovered key trends and factors shaping the region’s green development, with significant implications for the energy sector and beyond.
The research, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Environmental Science’ (Frontiers in Environmental Science), evaluates the green development level of the CPEZ from 2013 to 2022, using a comprehensive system of 33 indicators across three dimensions: green environment, green lifestyle, and green economy. The findings reveal a steady improvement in the region’s green development, with an average annual growth rate of 5.11%. However, the progress is not uniform, with spatial heterogeneity among cities.
“The overall level of green development in the research area continues to improve,” Ma explained, “but there are significant differences among cities. Some cities have entered a stage of primary coupling and coordinated development, while others lag behind.”
The study identifies several key driving factors for green development, including GDP electricity consumption, per capita length of water supply pipelines, percentage of added value of the secondary and tertiary industries to GDP, per capita water resources, and population density. These factors explain over 50% of the variation in green development levels across the region.
For the energy sector, these findings present both challenges and opportunities. The emphasis on GDP electricity consumption highlights the need for more efficient energy use and the integration of renewable energy sources. As Ma noted, “The energy sector plays a crucial role in green development. Improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy can significantly enhance the region’s green development level.”
The research also underscores the importance of green technology innovation and circular economy development. These areas present opportunities for commercial investment and innovation, driving the growth of new industries and creating jobs.
Moreover, the study’s findings on the coupling and coordination of green development can inform policy decisions and regional planning. By understanding the spatial differences in green development, policymakers can tailor interventions to address specific needs and promote more balanced growth.
Looking ahead, this research could shape future developments in the field by providing a robust framework for evaluating green development. The entropy-TOPSIS method and geographic detectors used in the study offer valuable tools for assessing complex systems and identifying key drivers of change.
As the CPEZ continues to evolve, the insights from this research will be instrumental in guiding its green development journey. For the energy sector, the findings underscore the need for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, paving the way for a greener, more prosperous future.
