Economic–environmental coordination and influencing factors under dual-carbon goal: a spatial empirical evidence from China’s transport sector

Promoting the coordination between the economic and environmental aspects of the transport sector can reduce carbon emissions and achieve low-carbon sustainable development. With the implementation of China’s dual carbon goals, there is a need for further exploration into improving the coordination performance of the transport sector. This study utilizes data from 2009 to 2019 in Chinese provinces and employs a two-stage network data envelopment analysis and coupling coordination degree model to measure the economic–environmental coordination (EEC) of the transport sector. It also visualizes the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics. Furthermore, we utilize a spatial Durbin model to analyze the multifaceted and complex factors influencing EEC from a spatial effects perspective. The results indicate that: (1) Economic efficiency consistently outperforms environmental efficiency in each province. (2) EEC performs better in the east than in the west and center. (3) Population density, energy intensity, and informatization are key factors hindering the improvement of EEC and it should be noted that influencing factors differ across regions. (4) EEC indeed has spatial effect, highlighting the importance of considering regional interdependence and mutual influence. This study underscores the crucial link between low-carbon construction and coordinated development, offering a novel avenue for the transformation of the transport sector. It also provides valuable management insights for enterprises and governments seeking new development opportunities.