Spatio-Temporal Coupling of Carbon Efficiency, Carbon Sink, and High-Quality Development in the Greater Chang-Zhu-Tan Urban Agglomeration: Patterns and Influences

Yong Guo, Lang Yi (), Jianbo Zhao, Guangyu Zhu () and Dan Sun
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Yong Guo: School of Ecological Environment, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Lang Yi: School of Economic Geography, Hunan University of Finance and Economics, Changsha 410205, China
Jianbo Zhao: Institute of Industrial Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
Guangyu Zhu: School of Ecological Environment, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Dan Sun: School of Business, Hunan Institute of Engineering, Xiangtan 411104, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-29

Abstract: Under the framework of the “dual carbon” goals, promoting the coordinated development of carbon emission efficiency, carbon sink capacity, and high-quality growth has become a critical issue for regional sustainability. Using panel data from 2006 to 2021, this study systematically investigates the three-dimensional coupling coordination among carbon emission efficiency, carbon sink capacity, and high-quality development in the Greater Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration. The spatiotemporal evolution, spatial correlation characteristics, and influencing factors of the coupling coordination were also explored. The results indicate that the coupling coordination system exhibits an evolutionary trend of overall stability with localized differentiation. The overall coupling degree remains in the “running-in” stage, while the coordination level is still in a marginally coordinated state. Spatially, the pattern has shifted from “northern leadership” to “multi-polar support,” with Yueyang achieving intermediate coordination, four cities including Changde reaching primary coordination, and three cities including Loudi remaining imbalanced. Spatial correlation has weakened from significant to insignificant, with Xiangtan showing a “low–low” cluster and Hengyang displaying a “high–low” cluster. The evolution of hot and cold spots has moved from marked differentiation to a more balanced distribution, as reflected by the disappearance of cold spots. The empirical analysis confirms a three-dimensional coupling mechanism: ecologically rich regions attain high coordination through carbon sink synergies; economically advanced areas achieve decoupling through innovation-driven development; while traditional industrial cities, despite facing the “green paradox,” demonstrate potential for leapfrog progress through transformation. Among the influencing factors, industrial structure upgrading emerged as the primary driver of spatial differentiation, though with a negative impact. Government support also exhibited a negative effect, whereas the interaction between environmental regulation and both government support and economic development was found to be significant.

Keywords: three-dimensional coupling coordination; spatio-temporal evolution; spatial correlation; influencing factors; Greater Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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