Assessment of Urban Green Space Ecological Service Value and Sustainable Development in China: A National-Scale Analysis (1996–2024)

Urban green spaces provide essential ecosystem services, yet national-scale economic assessments remain scarce in rapidly urbanizing countries. Here, we quantify the ecosystem service value (ESV) of China’s urban green spaces from 1996 to 2024 using national statistical data and eight key indicators: water conservation, carbon sequestration, oxygen release, dust retention, biodiversity protection, nitrogen oxide absorption, cooling effects, and leisure recreation. Valuation follows Costanza et al. and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. We apply the full permutation polygon graphic method (FPPGM) to derive a comprehensive service index and the Eco-Economic Harmony (EEH) index to assess ecological–economic coordination. Total ESV increased from 57.18 billion to 569.01 billion yuan, at an average annual rate of 8.55%. Cooling effects, biodiversity protection, and water conservation ranked as the top three services. The comprehensive service index improved continuously, with national sustainable development capacity progressing from Level 4 (Low) in 1996–2002 to Level 1 (High) in 2013–2024. The 2024 EEH index of 0.87 indicates moderate-to-high eco-economic coordination. Despite substantial ESV growth, urban economic expansion continues to outpace ecological gains. Strengthening legal protections for urban green spaces is critical. This study provides a transferable framework for assessing urban green infrastructure across developing countries.