Does the Development of Digital Economy Affect Environmental Pollution?

Abstract

The development of digital economy (Dig) promotes the development of green economy and the progress of ecological civilization. Based on the panel data of China from 2010 to 2020, this paper constructs the relevant index system and analyzes the impact of the Dig on environmental pollution (EP) by using a variety of econometric models. Subsequently, combined with the transmission effect to discuss its influence mechanism, the spatial quantile regression was used to explore spatial effects. The Dig is conducive to reducing EP, and there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between the two. Meanwhile, its influence has obvious regional heterogeneity, and the inhibition effect of Dig on EP is better in technology-intensive areas. Dig can alleviate EP by promoting technological innovation and optimizing industrial structure, but resource allocation has not played a role. In addition, the Dig has a significant impact on the distribution of EP in the middle quantile, and there is a negative spatial spillover effect on EP. Consequently, the study puts forward some suggestions to alleviate pollution from the aspects of promoting technological innovation and improving resource allocation efficiency.

Digital Transformation and Urban Green Development: Evidence from China’s Data Factor Marketization

“…Prior research predominantly focused on particular facets of the digital economy in order to assess its impact on EP. Some studies have developed a comprehensive digital economy index system to explore its impact on EP empirically [16,17], including research focusing on specific aspects like artificial intelligence [18,19], digital finance [20,21], internet development [22,23], and the digitalization of governmental environmental management [24]. The literature with a policy evaluation perspective has assessed the digital economy's impact on EP through various pilot policies, including the "National Big Data Comprehensive Experimental Zone" [25,26], smart city initiatives [27], "Broadband China" [28], and e-commerce demonstration city programs [29].…”

Effects of Big Data on PM2.5: A Study Based on Double Machine Learning

“…Recent research suggests an inverted U-shaped relationship between the digital economy and environmental pollution. As the economy progresses, sulfur dioxide emissions increase but eventually start to decline after reaching a certain development threshold, possibly due to enhanced environmental protection measures and technological advancements [33]. Conversely, another study discovered that the growth of the digital economy significantly mitigates environmental pollution, especially industrial sulfur dioxide pollution, likely a result of technological innovation and the upgrading of industrial structures [4].…”

“…Additional studies have also noted improvements in environmental quality and a reduction in pollution attributable to the digital economy, which has facilitated the development of numerous green technologies and industries [43]. Big data is pivotal in the economic transformation towards green technological innovation, enabling enterprises to leverage big data for sustainable practices [33,44]. The advancement of the digital economy directly promotes high-quality green development, with the adjustment of industrial structures and innovation in green technology playing essential roles in this process [45].…”

“…These pilot zones have effectively spurred digital transformation and development, which are believed to significantly lower regional carbon emissions and meet emission reduction goals. Research has demonstrated that the digital economy has an inverted U-shaped correlation with environmental pollution, where pollutants may initially increase during the early stages of economic development but tend to decline after reaching a certain level of development due to enhanced environmental protection efforts and the advent of new technologies [33]. Moreover, the establishment of big data pilot zones has been linked to increased environmental productivity in urban areas, particularly in cities with high levels of marketization and resource-based economies [34].…”