Study on spatial correlation network and influencing factors of environmental efficiency of major cities in Yellow River Basin

Abstract

This paper employs social network analysis and the QAP regression model to explore the spatial correlation network and the factors influencing urban environmental efficiency along the Yellow River Basin(YRB).The results show that: First, the cities can be divided into four plates. Plate II, as the "engine", transfers the growth momentum of environmental efficiency of major cities in the YRB to the "broker" plate (the first plate), which acts as an intermediary and bridge. Plate II transfers the growth momentum of environmental efficiency of major cities in the YRB to the fourth plate, which has "two-way spillover". As the "main benefit" role, the third plate mainly receives the spillover effect of the first plate. Second, the regression coefficient of the difference matrix of foreign investment utilization level is negative, the regression coefficient of the difference matrix of urbanization level is significantly negative, environmental regulation level, energy consumption level and patent level on the spatial correlation of environmental efficiency is significantly positive. This indicates that in the future, it is necessary to improve the network density and network efficiency among cities in the YRB, optimize the relevant environmental efficiency network of major cities in the YRB, and upgrade the environmental system and technology of major cities in the YRB.