Work

The Impact of the Imbalance in China’s Digital Economy on Carbon Emissions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The imbalance in China’s digital economy is undeniable, making its analysis and impact on carbon emissions highly significant. Using unbalanced panel data from 256 prefecture-level cities in China between 2011 and 2019, this study measures the Gini coefficient of digital economy development in China. It explores the effects and transmission mechanisms of this imbalance on carbon emissions. The empirical results show that: (1) The imbalance in the digital economy has a significant positive impact on carbon dioxide emissions. (2) Mechanism regressions reveal that the imbalance negatively affects regional industrial structures and significantly hinders improvements in green total productivity. Based on these findings, the study proposes policy recommendations to promote the balanced.

Source: SAGE Open

DOI: 10.1177/21582440251346107

Authors: Tongyang Liu, Xiaoyawen Han, Dong Xue, Maishou Li

Institution: Henan University

Language: English

Topic: Energy, Environment, Economic Growth

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,600