Spatial and Temporal Differentiation of Carbon Emission Efficiency and the Impact of Green Technology Innovation in Hubei Province

Hubei Province's carbon emission efficiency has shown significant spatial and temporal differentiation, with a rapid increase after initial fluctuations. The study found that green technological innovation positively correlates with improved carbon emission efficiency, while economic expansion and population density also show positive relationships, whereas industrial structure and government environmental regulations negatively impact efficiency. Notably, the Wuhan metropolitan area and the Xiang-yang-Shiyan-Suizhou-Shennongjia urban region exhibit distinct differences, while the Yichang-Jingzhou-Jing-Enshi urban agglomeration shows a narrowing trend in differentiation. The research also highlights a temporal lag between green technological innovation and its impact on carbon emission efficiency, with capital investment and technical achievements currently enhancing efficiency, while human capital has a positive effect during a second lag period.

Duan, S., Shang, B., Nie, Y., Wang, J., Li, M., & Yu, J. (2025). Spatial and Temporal Differentiation of Carbon Emission Efficiency and the Impact of Green Technology Innovation in Hubei Province. Sustainability, 17(8), 3613. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083613