A Study on the Impact of Network Infrastructure Development on Carbon Emissions in China's Border Regions

Abstract

In the context of the digital economy, selecting a viable approach to achieve the strategic objective of reducing carbon emissions is pivotal for facilitating the high-quality development of China's border region economy. This study conducts an empirical analysis using panel data encompassing 75 cities within the border region spanning from 2006 to 2018. Leveraging the quasi-natural experiments presented by the pilot policy of the "Broadband China" strategy, and employing the multi-period double-difference methodology, this paper unveils compelling insights. The findings reveal that the pilot policy of the "Broadband China" strategy significantly diminishes the carbon emission levels within the border cities. This observation remains consistent even after eliminating potential non-random selection factors and external policy influences. When comparing the results with the eastern and southwestern counterparts, it becomes evident that the impact of network infrastructure development on carbon emissions reduction is more pronounced in the central and western regions, as well as the northeastern and northern border areas. Mechanism analysis outcomes underscore that the construction of network infrastructure drives carbon emission reduction in border areas by catalyzing shifts in industrial structure and fostering advancements in green innovation within these urban centers. Against the backdrop of the digital economy, this study delves into pathways for realizing the strategic goal of curbing carbon emissions in border regions, thus furnishing valuable insights for these areas to seize emerging opportunities in the unfolding scientific and technological revolution and the transition toward a greener economy.