RETRACTED ARTICLE: How does the green development program promote rural economy: energy and environmental effects in rural development of China

Rural areas in developing countries often grapple with energy shortages, low energy efficiency, and significant environmental pollution, all of which are interconnected with the issues of rural poverty. Policies geared toward rural green development are closely linked to energy transformation and economic growth. China's “Beautiful Countryside Construction” initiative prioritizes the enhancement of rural living conditions, the promotion of rural economic progress, energy transformation, and environmental amelioration through rural–urban integration. This study utilizes panel data encompassing 1,787 Chinese counties spanning from 2008 to 2015, employing the difference-in-difference (DID) method to analyze the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the “Beautiful Countryside Construction” program. The findings indicate that this initiative has contributed to the enhancement of the rural environment, the promotion of environmentally friendly economic development, and the advancement of rural energy transformation. These outcomes hold significant implications for how developing nations can design policies that achieve a harmonious balance between economic advancement and environmental preservation, fostering sustainable economic growth worldwide.