This paper investigates the impact of high-speed railways (HSR) on environmental sustainability in China using a quasi-natural experiment approach. Analyzing data from Chinese industrial enterprises and 285 prefecture-level cities, the study finds that HSR introduction significantly reduces fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions along railway routes. This effect strengthens over time and with increasing distance from the railway. Significant spatial spillover and conduction effects are also identified. Heterogeneity tests reveal that third-tier cities, non-megacities, and mature resource-based cities are particularly receptive to these sustainable impacts. Mechanism analysis suggests that accelerated elements flow, enhanced technological innovation, improved labor productivity, and industrial structure upgrading contribute to eco-sustainability. The findings highlight HSR's environmentally friendly attributes and the need for policies to facilitate global renewable energy transition.

Qiong Shen, Yuxi Pan, Yanchao Feng