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Digital economic development and carbon emissions: A literature review

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the digital era, the development of the digital economy has gained significant practical importance for enhancing reductions in carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions. However, existing studies must clarify the key “hidden” mechanisms driving actual changes in CO 2 emissions. Although both the digital economy and CO 2 emissions are widely researched topics, previous literature has rarely provided an explicit examination of their underlying mechanisms. This study conducts a detailed literature review and finds that the digital economy affects CO 2 emissions through four main channels: technical, structural, resource allocation, and spatial spillover. However, these channels should not be examined independently due to their interactive effects. Moreover, each of these four channels can be further subdivided, making it essential to explore the subpaths and interconnections among them. By offering a more nuanced understanding of how the digital economy contributes to CO 2 emissions reduction, this study provides valuable insights that can inform strategic policy development.

Source: Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.07.007

Authors: Xinrui Li, Junbing Huang, Hanbin Zhang

Institutions: University of Bayreuth, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics

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, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China