Work

Quantity Reduction and Quality Improvement: Assessing the Carbon Effects of China’s National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone Policy for Sustainable Development

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Promoting low-carbon and sustainable development has become an important policy objective in the context of digital transformation. Using China’s National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone (NBDCPZ) policy as a quasi-natural experiment, this study employs a staggered difference-in-differences approach to examine the policy’s effects on carbon emission quantity and carbon emission quality. The results show that the NBDCPZ reduces carbon emission quantity by 12.3% and improves carbon emission quality by 2.6%. These effects are more pronounced in the central and eastern regions and in areas with stronger government support. The analysis suggests that the NBDCPZ may affect carbon outcomes through green technological innovation and energy structure adjustment.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18094478

Authors: Huaichao Zhang, Yuchen Hu, Yuange Rong, Guanglai Zhang

Institutions: Capital University of Economics and Business, Southeast University, Monash University, Jiangxi 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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896