<p>This study explores the green transformation of China’s development model by constructing a framework for green development welfare that integrates economic and environmental dimensions. Using data from 30 Chinese provinces and cities (2004—2019) and a spatial panel Durbin model, the study examines the impact of public environmental appeals on green development welfare. The findings are as follows: (1) inverted U-shaped relationship: public environmental appeals and green development welfare demonstrate an inverted U-shaped relationship, indicating that the influence of appeals varies across different demand levels. (2) spatial spillover effects: public environmental appeals in one region positively affect the green development welfare of neighboring regions. (3) regional heterogeneity: the inverted U-shaped relationship and spatial spillover effects are significant in central and northeastern regions but are not evident in eastern and western regions. (4) environmental pollution as a mediator: environmental pollution mediates the relationship between public environmental appeals and green development welfare and exhibits its own spatial spillover effects. These findings emphasize the multidimensional and spatially heterogeneous impacts of public environmental appeals, offering valuable insights for region-specific strategies to advance green development.</p>