Breaking through ingrained beliefs: revisiting the impact of the digital economy on carbon emissions

This study investigates the impact of the digital economy on carbon emissions, addressing the lack of comprehensive theoretical and empirical research. Using an expanded structural equation model and big data analysis from developing nations, it finds that the digital economy significantly mitigates carbon emissions. This effect is achieved through low-carbon technological innovation and industrial diversification. The study also addresses the "Digital Economy Paradox," where higher digital economy development correlates with higher emissions, attributing this to the dominance of digital industrialization. The research provides a novel analytical perspective and empirical evidence supporting the digital economy's role in low-carbon economic development.

Haisen Wang, Gangqiang Yang, Ziyang Yue