Influence of Regional Air Pollution Pressure on the Green Transformation of Higher Education: An Empirical Study Based on PM2.5 in Chinese Cities

Against the backdrop of the pressing challenge of global climate change and the framework of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this study focuses on examining how regional air pollution pressures drive the transition towards green practices within higher education institutions (HEIs). This research begins with the painstaking manual collection and organization of green transformation data from 113 Chinese HEIs spanning the years 2017 to 2022. We construct a comprehensive green transformation index for higher education, including four dimensions: Education and Research, Operational Management Efficiency, Green Campus Construction, and Social Participation, along with 14 foundational indicators. Empirical analysis demonstrates a significant positive correlation between air pollution pressures and the green transformation of HEIs, confirming the facilitative role of government policy support and public environmental awareness in this transformative process. This study further uncovers that the timeliness and continuity of policies are crucial for HEIs in responding to environmental pressures and accelerating their green transition. Moreover, it highlights the impact of regional characteristics, revealing that HEIs in economically more advanced regions exhibit a stronger response to air pollution pressures compared with those in less developed areas. This research not only enhances understanding of the interplay among environmental policies, public engagement, and behavioral changes in HEIs but also furnishes policymakers, HEI administrators, and environmental advocates with robust empirical evidence. It underscores the urgency for multi-stakeholder collaboration, policy incentives, and the consideration of regional specifics, thereby providing strategic guidance for facilitating green transformations in HEIs and advancing the attainment of global sustainability objectives.