Research on the Pathways of Green Finance Promoting Low-Carbon Economic Development in Western China

This paper takes Chongqing, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Xinjiang in Western China as the research objects. Based on the panel data from 2013 to 2022, a comprehensive evaluation index system for green finance and low-carbon economy is constructed. The entropy weight-TOPSIS method is adopted to determine the weight of each index, and the comprehensive development scores of green finance and low-carbon economy for each province, autonomous region, and municipality in Western China during the sample period are calculated. On this basis, the coupling coordination degree model is used to analyze the level of their coordinated development, and the obstacle degree model is employed to identify the key factors affecting the coupling coordination degree. The results show that the coupling coordination degree between green finance and low-carbon economy in the research area shows an overall upward trend, but it still remains in a state of "near maladjustment." Significant regional differences are observed: Qinghai Province exhibits the highest coordination degree, followed by Ningxia, Chongqing, and Guangxi, while Yunnan and Inner Mongolia have the lowest. Finally, corresponding policy recommendations are proposed based on the research conclusions.