Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Polycentric or monocentric, which kind of spatial structure is better for promoting the green economy? Evidence from Chinese urban agglomerations

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The green economy has gained worldwide attention, especially in the urban agglomerations where population and economic activities are highly concentrated. However, what kind of urban agglomeration spatial structure is more conducive to promoting the green economy? No clear conclusions have been made. To bridge this gap, by employing the data of 16 urban agglomerations in China in 2003–2017 and a comprehensive analytic framework including dynamic panel threshold model, this paper studies the impact of urban agglomeration spatial structure on the green economy and the three subsystems of green economy to shed light on which kind of urban agglomeration spatial structure better drives the green economy. The main findings are shown below: (1) urban agglomeration spatial structural evolution is closely related to green economy, while in the research period, most urban agglomerations are not located in the optimal range of the spatial structure that drives the green economy. (2) Towards polycentric spatial structure is contributive to green economic growth; however, the excessively polycentric could not benefit green economy. (3) The evolution of urban agglomeration spatial structure exerts heterogeneous impacts on the three subsystems when green economy is decomposed into economic subsystem, resources subsystem, and environmental subsystem. Towards polycentric is more conducive to the improvement of economic subsystem and resource subsystem, while the tendency to monocentric drives the environmental subsystem. (4) Lastly, the conclusions enlighten the urban agglomeration development planning and spatial mode for approaching a better performance in green economy.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

Availability of data and materials

Available upon request.

References

  • Abid N, Ikram M, Jianzu W, Ferasso M (2021) Towards environmental sustainability: exploring the nexus among ISO 14001, governance indicators and green economy in Pakistan. Sustainable Production and Consumption

  • Arellano M, Bond S (1991) Some tests of specification for panel data: Monte Carlo evidence and an application to employment equations. Rev Econ Stud 58(2):277–297

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benson D, Fairbrass JM, Lorenzoni I, O'Riordan T, Russel D (2021) The green economy: changing meanings in a changing world. Emerg Govern Green Econ:14–33

  • Blundell R, Bond SR (1998) Initial conditions and moment restrictions in dynamic panel data models. J Econ 87(1):115–143

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burgalassi D, Luzzati T (2015) Urban spatial structure and environmental emissions: a survey of the literature and some empirical evidence for Italian NUTS-3 regions. Cities 49:134–148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carroll Z, Couzo E (2021) Should North Carolina require more efficient water heaters in homes? A cost-benefit analysis. Energy Policy 150:112113

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen D, Yan Z, Wang W (2020) Urban population, industrial agglomeration pattern and urban innovation: evidence from 271 cities in China. Chin J Popul Sci 5:27–40 +126

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark LP, Millet DB, Marshall JD (2011) Air quality and urban form in U.S. urban areas: evidence from regulatory monitors. Environ Sci Technol 45(16):7028–7035

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • D’Amato D, Droste N, Allen B, Kettunen M, Lähtinen K, Korhonen J, Toppinen A (2017) Green, circular, bio economy: A comparative analysis of sustainability avenues. J Clean Prod 168:716–734

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D’Amato D, Korhonen J, Toppinen A (2019) Circular, green, and bio economy: how do companies in land-use intensive sectors align with sustainability concepts? Ecol Econ 158:116–133

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Espezua S, Villanueva E, Maciel CD (2014) Towards an efficient genetic algorithm optimizer for sequential projection pursuit. Neurocomputing 123:40–48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fang C (2015) Important progress and future direction of studies on China’s urban agglomerations. J Geogr Sci 25(8):1003–1024

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fang C, Zhou C, Gu C, Chen L, Li S (2017) A proposal for the theoretical analysis of the interactive coupled effects between urbanization and the eco-environment in mega-urban agglomerations. J Geogr Sci 27(12):1431–1449

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia-López MÀ, Muñiz I (2012) Urban spatial structure, agglomeration economies, and economic growth in Barcelona: an intra-metropolitan perspective. Pap Reg Sci 92(3):515–534

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardrat M (2021) Urban growth and freight transport: from sprawl to distension. J Transp Geogr 91:102979

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gregorio VF, Pié L, Terceño A (2018) A systematic literature review of bio, green and circular economy trends in publications in the field of economics and business management. Sustainability 10(11):4232

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta MK, Song Q, Liu Z, Pruncu CI, Mia M, Singh G et al (2020) Machining characteristics based life cycle assessment in eco-benign turning of pure titanium alloy. J Clean Prod 251:119598

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haider H, Hewage K, Umer A, Ruparathna R, Chhipi-Shrestha G, Culver K, Sadiq R (2018) Sustainability assessment framework for small-sized urban neighborhoods: An application of fuzzy synthetic evaluation. Sustain Cities Soc 36:21–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Han S, Sun B, Zhang T (2020) Mono- and polycentric urban spatial structure and PM2.5 concentrations: regarding the dependence on population density. Habitat Int 104:102257

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hankey S, Marshall JD (2017) Urban form, air pollution, and health. Curr Environ Health Rep 4(4):491–503

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen BE (1999) Threshold effects in non-dynamic panels: estimation, testing, and inference. J Econ 93(2):345–368

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen BE (2000) Sample splitting and threshold estimation. Econometrica 68(3):575–603

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoogmartens R, Passel SV, Acker KV, Dubois M (2014) Bridging the gap between LCA, LCC and CBA as sustainability assessment tools. Environ Impact Assess Rev 48:27–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hou Y, Sun T (2016) Economic performance of spatial structure of urban agglomerations in China: empirical analysis based on panel data. Explor Econ Issue 2:80–88

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang Y, Wang Y (2020) How does high-speed railway affect green innovation efficiency? A perspective of innovation factor mobility. J Clean Prod 265:121623

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang Y, Zhou Y (2020) How does vertical fiscal imbalance affect environmental pollution in China? New perspective to explore fiscal reform’s pollution effect. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27(25):31969–31982

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang J, Liu Q, Cai X, Hao Y, Lei H (2018) The effect of technological factors on China’s carbon intensity: new evidence from a panel threshold model. Energy Policy 115:32–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang J, Cai X, Huang S, Tian S, Lei H (2019) Technological factors and total factor productivity in China: evidence based on a panel threshold model. China Econ Rev 54:271–285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang J, Luan B, Cai X, Zou H (2020) The role of domestic R&D activities played in carbon intensity: evidence from China. Sci Total Environ 708:135033

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huang C, Liu K, Zhou L (2021a) Spatio-temporal trends and influencing factors of PM2.5 concentrations in urban agglomerations in China between 2000 and 2016. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28:10988–11000

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huang J, Xiang S, Wang Y, Chen X (2021b) Energy-saving R&D and carbon intensity in China. Energy Econ 98:105240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Konisky DM, Woods ND (2010) Exporting air pollution? Regulatory enforcement and environmental free riding in the United States. Polit Res Q 63(4):771–782

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kremer S, Bick A, Nautz D (2013) Inflation and growth: new evidence from a dynamic panel threshold analysis. Empir Econ 44(2):861–878

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee S, Lee B (2020) Comparing the impacts of local land use and urban spatial structure on household VMT and GHG emissions. J Transp Geogr 84:102694

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li B, Wu S (2017) Effects of local and civil environmental regulation on green total factor productivity in China: a spatial Durbin econometric analysis. J Clean Prod 153:342–353

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li W, Sun B, Zhao J, Zhang T (2018) Economic performance of spatial structure in Chinese prefecture regions: evidence from night-time satellite imagery. Habitat Int 76:29–39

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li J, Wang R, Li H, Nie Y, Song X, Li M, Shi M, Zheng X, Cai W, Wang C (2021) Unit-level cost-benefit analysis for coal power plants retrofitted with biomass co-firing at a national level by combined GIS and life cycle assessment. Appl Energy 285:116494

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu X, Song L, Chen Z (2017a) Polycentric development and its effect on regional income disparity. China Industr Econ 10:25–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu X, Li S, Qin M (2017b) Urban spatial structure and regional economic efficiency. J Manag World 1:51–64

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu K, Xue M, Peng M, Wang C (2020a) Impact of spatial structure of urban agglomeration on carbon emissions: an analysis of the Shandong Peninsula, China. Technol Forecast Soc Chang 161:120313

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu K, Wu Y, Wang X, Wang C (2020b) Impact of spatial structure of urban agglomerations on air pollution in China. China Popul, Resour Environ 30(10):28–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Loiseau E, Saikku L, Antikainen R, Droste N, Hansjürgens B, Pitkänen K, Thomsen M (2016) Green economy and related concepts: an overview. J Clean Prod 139:361–371

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meijers E (2008) Measuring polycentricity and its promises. Eur Plan Stud 16(9):1313–1323

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meijers EJ, Burger MJ (2010) Spatial structure and productivity in US metropolitan areas. Environ Plan A 42(6):1383–1402

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Merino-Saum A, Baldi MG, Gunderson I, Oberle B (2018) Articulating natural resources and sustainable development goals through green economy indicators: a systematic analysis. Resour Conserv Recycl 139:90–103

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miao Z, Chen X, Baležentis T, Sun C (2019) Atmospheric environmental productivity across the provinces of China: joint decomposition of range adjusted measure and Luenberger productivity indicator. Energy Policy 132:665–677

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miao Z, Chen X, Baležentis T (2021) Improving energy use and mitigating pollutant emissions across “three regions and ten urban agglomerations”: a city-level productivity growth decomposition. Appl Energy 283:116296

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muñiz I, Sánchez V (2018) Urban spatial form and structure and greenhouse-gas emissions from commuting in the metropolitan zone of Mexico Valley. Ecol Econ 147:353–364

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Newman C, Rand J, Talbot T, Tarp F (2015) Technology transfers, foreign investment and productivity spillovers. Eur Econ Rev 76:168–187

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nijman J, Wei YD (2020) Urban inequalities in the 21st century economy. Appl Geogr 117:102188

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pan W, Pan W, Hu C, Tu H, Zhao C, Yu D, Zheng G (2019) Assessing the green economy in China: an improved framework. J Clean Prod 209:680–691

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pearce DW, Markandya A, Barbier E (1989) Blueprint for a green economy. Earthscan, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Pili S, Grigoriadis E, Carlucci M, Clemente M, Salvati L (2017) Towards sustainable growth? A multi-criteria assessment of (changing) urban forms. Ecol Indic 76:71–80

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ringel M, Schlomann B, Krail M, Rohde C (2016) Towards a green economy in Germany? The role of energy efficiency policies. Appl Energy 179:1293–1303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Röck M, Saade MRM, Balouktsi M, Rasmussen FN, Birgisdottir H, Frischknecht R, Habert G, Lützkendorf T, Passer A (2020) Embodied GHG emissions of buildings – the hidden challenge for effective climate change mitigation. Appl Energy 258:114107

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seo MH, Shin Y (2016) Dynamic panels with threshold effect and endogeneity. J Econ 195(2):169–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sigman H (2005) Transboundary spillovers and decentralization of environmental policies. J Environ Econ Manag 50(1):82–101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Söderqvist T, Brinkhoff P, Norberg T, Rosén L, Back P-E, Norrman J (2015) Cost-benefit analysis as a part of sustainability assessment of remediation alternatives for contaminated land. J Environ Manag 157:267–278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun B, Han S, Li W (2020) Effects of the polycentric spatial structures of Chinese city regions on CO2 concentrations. Transport Res Part D-Transport Environ 82:102333

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tian Y, Sun C (2018) Comprehensive carrying capacity, economic growth and the sustainable development of urban areas: a case study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. J Clean Prod 195:486–496

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vandermotten C, Halbert L, Roelandts M, Cornut P (2008) European planning and the polycentric consensus: Wishful thinking? Reg Stud 42(8):1205–1217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verma P, Raghubanshi AS (2018) Urban sustainability indicators: challenges and opportunities. Ecol Indic 93:282–291

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang M, Zhao X, Gong Q, Ji Z (2019) Measurement of regional green economy sustainable development ability based on entropy weight-Topsis-coupling coordination degree—a case study in Shandong Province, China. Sustainability 11(1):280

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wei P, Fu Q, Liu D, Li T, Cheng K (2016) Assessing agricultural drought vulnerability in the Sanjiang Plain based on an improved projection pursuit model. Nat Hazards 82(1):683–701

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu M, Wu J, Zang C (2021) A comprehensive evaluation of the eco-carrying capacity and green economy in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, China. J Clean Prod 281:124945

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie M, Wang J, Chen K (2016) Coordinated development analysis of the “resources-environment-ecology-economy-society” complex system in China. Sustainability 8(6):1–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang J, Shi B, Zheng Y, Shi Y, Xia G (2020) Urban form and air pollution disperse: key indexes and mitigation strategies. Sustain Cities Soc 57:101955

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu B (2021) Urban spatial structure and total-factor energy efficiency in Chinese provinces. Ecol Indic 126:107662

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu Y, Liu D, Gong Y (2019) Target of local economic growth and total factor productivity. Manag World 35(7):26–42 +202

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuan M, Huang Y, Shen H, Li T (2018) Effects of urban form on haze pollution in China: Spatial regression analysis based on PM2.5 remote sensing data. Appl Geogr 98:215–223

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang N, Yu K, Chen Z (2017a) How does urbanization affect carbon dioxide emissions? A cross-country panel data analysis. Energy Policy 107:678–687

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang T, Sun B, Li W (2017b) The economic performance of urban structure: from the perspective of Polycentricity and Monocentricity. Cities 68:18–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Su Z, Li G, Zhuo Y, Xu Z (2018) Spatial-temporal evolution of sustainable urbanization development: a perspective of the coupling coordination development based on population, industry, and built-up land spatial agglomeration. Sustainability 10(6):1766

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou L (2007) Governing China’s local officials: an analysis of promotion tournament model. Econ Res J 7:36–50

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This paper would like to thank the Guangxi Social Science Fund (20FJY008), Collaborative Innovation Center for Integration of Terrestrial & Marine Economies Fund (2020B03), National Social Science Fund (18BJL049), National Social Science Fund (20XJL009), and Project of High-level Innovation Team and Outstanding Scholar of Guangxi Higher Education Institutions (Guangxi Normal [2019] No. 52) for their supports.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Economics and Trade, Guangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanning, China

    Yue Huang

  2. Guangxi Institute of Finance and Economics, Guangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanning, China

    Ruiwen Liao

Authors
  1. Yue Huang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ruiwen Liao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

The idea and original writing for the article are conducted by Yue Huang; organization, critical feedback, and supervision are made by Ruiwen Liao. All authors have read and approved the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ruiwen Liao.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Ilhan Ozturk

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Huang, Y., Liao, R. Polycentric or monocentric, which kind of spatial structure is better for promoting the green economy? Evidence from Chinese urban agglomerations. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 57706–57722 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14655-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14655-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation