PONE-D-23-00550Measurement of China’s Green Development Level and Its Spatial Differentiation in the Context of Carbon NeutralityPLOS ONE

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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2. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

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Reviewer #1: The article addresses a very interesting topic. The article is well structured, the ideas are presented in a logical, concise order. The statements are supported by specific data, that are analysed in a proper way by the authors.

The article has the potential to be published, which is why I recommend some revisions

1. in the introduction, the authors must also mention the efforts made by public authorities in other countries in the transition process towards low carbon economy and green development. In this sense, the experience of the European Union countries in the field of green transition must be presented in the introduction. (https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/european-green-deal_en)

2. The discussion section must be expanded and include the conclusions of similar studies that confirm or not the results obtained by the authors

3. The paper contributes to existing research, and it is interesting and relatively new of its kind, however the limitations and future research should be enriched.

4. The authors must extend the references list that can be useful for different parts of the manuscript (introduction, discussions etc.).

a) Adams, B. (2019). Green development: Environment and sustainability in a developing world. Routledge.

b) Han, M. S., Yuan, Q., Fahad, S., & Ma, T. (2022). Dynamic evaluation of green development level of ASEAN region and its spatio-temporal patterns. Journal of Cleaner Production, 362, 132402.

c) Wu, H., Li, Y., Hao, Y., Ren, S., & Zhang, P. (2020). Environmental decentralization, local government competition, and regional green development: Evidence from China. Science of the total environment, 708, 135085.

Reviewer #2: The study deals with a very current topic. The colleagues processed the issue in a very high-quality way. With careful research work, with a really detailed explanation. The authors have also carefully selected the appropriate mdsertan and their summary findings are exemplary for representatives of other states as well.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: Yes: Prof. Dr. Boros Anita

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Measurement of China’s Green Development Level and Its Spatial Differentiation in the Context of Carbon Neutrality

PONE-D-23-00550R1

Dear Dr. Liang,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

László Vasa, PhD

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

Reviewers' comments: