Regional green development force: Conceptual deconstruction and dynamic measurement

The Green Development Force (GDF) represents the collective potency of various entities within a given region to attain development that maximizes economic and social benefits while minimizing the strain on resources and the environment. It serves as a vital guarantee for the realization of green development. This study has established a comprehensive evaluation framework for GDF, encompassing four pivotal domains: economy, society, resources, and environment. By utilizing data spanning from 2010 to 2021, gathered from 30 provinces in China, we examine the evolution of regional disparities in GDF and identify the primary impediments within the GDF system. Employing a comprehensive index approach, we classify the provinces into four categories — “strong-active,” “weak-active,” “weak-passive,” and “strong-passive” — to accurately identify the weaknesses within each group. The findings shed light on several significant aspects: GDF within Chinese provinces has displayed varying degrees of progress over the observation period, with a notable discrepancy between the East, marked by heightened GDF, and the West, where it lags. The regional gaps in GDF have gradually widened, and polarization has emerged in the Northern coastal, Eastern coastal, and Great Southwestern regions. Lastly, the primary obstacles hindering the augmentation of GDF lie in the realm of resource conservation, efficient utilization, and environmental governance. These challenges are shared among the weaker groups. The strong-active category must prioritize resource and environmental carrying capacities, while the strong-passive group should focus on bolstering public service provision and resource sustainability. This study serves as a valuable reference in fortifying GDF and fostering synchronized green development throughout the region.