Coupling relationship between green production and green consumption: Case of the Yangtze River Delta area

Abstract Green production and green consumption have always been topics of concern. This study explores the coupling relationship between green production and green consumption by setting up a coupling coordination degree model using 2006–2015 panel data for the Yangtze River Delta area. The results highlight that, first, the contribution rate of the tertiary industry to the gross domestic product index is the key factor influencing green production. Meanwhile, passenger volume in the public traffic index is the main factor impacting green consumption. Second, while both green production and consumption levels have somewhat improved in the area, the gap between them continues to widen. Furthermore, the improvement in green consumption lags behind that in green production. Finally, the coupling coordination degree between green production and consumption in the area shows an increasing trend, although at a low level. These findings suggest that governments should focus on improving green consumption to increase the coupling coordination degree.