Unequal opportunities and green transition: A study on the mechanism of green total factor productivity differences in China’s regional marine economy

The inconsistent greening of regional marine economy presents a major challenge to achieving high-quality growth in the marine economy. Drawing from the theory of inequality of opportunity, this paper utilizes the mean logarithmic deviation (MLD) index to analyze disparities in green total factor productivity (GTFP) within the marine economy in China’s coastal ares. To assess the impact of inequality of opportunity factors on regional differences in GTFP, the Shapley value decomposition technique is utilized. And explore the indirect channels. The results show that (1) The GTFP in most regions has shown a certain upward trend. However, significant differences remain among the regions. (2) The overall inequality of opportunity index exhibits a significant rising trend. The index is highest in the southern marine economic circle, next highest in the northern circle, and lowest in the eastern circle. (3) Economic location is the major factor affecting the internal difference in the northern circle. Financial development is an important source of internal differences between the eastern and southern circles. (4) Inequality of opportunity can affect local factor inputs through local policy differences, contributing to differences in GTFP. The key factors influencing the differences within the northern and southern circles are environmental protection and technological innovation, respectively. The factors within the eastern circle exert their influence in a more balanced manner. The study results can provide valuable references for policy makers to formulate policies to coordinate the green development of regional marine economy and realize sustainable development.