Measurement of green transition and its driving factors: Evidence from China

Achieving a high-quality green transition has become an important way toward sustainable development in the world. In this study, we propose a measuring framework of green transition based on the entropy weight method. Then the driving factors of green transition are analyzed with a spatial Durbin model. Taking China as an empirical case study, the results showed that: (1) the overall level of green transition in China increased, but the green transition index (GTI) remained low. The GTIs' means and growths of the eastern region exceeded those of both the central region and the western region. Moreover, the GTIs in 30 provinces were significant gaps. (2) China's GTIs showed a significant positive spatial dependence. Furthermore, the driving factors of reform and openness, investing capacity, government intervention, and environmental regulation positively impacted the green transition development; however, the industrial structure had a negative impact. (3) Reform and openness, as well as environmental regulation, exerted positive spillover effects on other provinces, while investing capacity and government intervention exerted negative spillover effects. Moreover, the spillover effect of the industrial structure was not significant. Relevant recommendations for green transition development are proposed.