Research on a Multidimensional Dynamic Environmental Assessment: Based on the PSR Analysis Framework and Bootstrap-DEA Model, in the Yellow River Basin, China

An environmental assessment is a complex and interrelated entity. A multidimensional and dynamic environmental assessment can directly reflect the effectiveness and capacity of the ecological governance system. Assessing the factors influencing the resource–environment coupling efficiency in the Yellow River Basin is crucial for advancing environmental management and regulation, enhancing public participation and transparency, as well as fostering international exchange and cooperation. This study uses the PSR analysis framework and the Bootstrap-DEA model to measure the resource–environment coupling efficiency. It employs spatial autocorrelation, kernel density estimation, Dagum Gini coefficient analysis, σ-convergence, and spatial beta convergence methods to explore the multi-level spatial pattern and convergence trend of the resource–environment coupling efficiency. The findings indicate that overall resource–environment coupling efficiency exhibits minimal temporal variation characterized by a hierarchy of upstream > downstream > middle reaches, alongside a spatial differentiation trend marked by small agglomeration coupled with significant dispersion. Additionally, regional disparities reveal a distribution pattern of downstream > middle reaches > upstream. Notably, while there are no σ-convergence characteristics, evidence supporting spatial β-convergence suggests that these efficiencies will converge toward a steady-state level over time.