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The impact of Digital transformation on carbon emission intensity

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  • Song, Yanni
  • Xie, Zijun
  • Song, Yingchun

Abstract

Against the backdrop of increasingly serious environmental issues such as global warming, exploring pathways for carbon reduction has become a focal issue. This article, based on data from Chinese listed companies from 2007 to 2022, uses a panel data model to analyze the impact of corporate digital transformation on carbon emission intensity and its mechanisms. The research findings reveal that: firstly, corporate digital transformation significantly reduces carbon emission intensity; this conclusion remains valid after robustness checks. Secondly, mechanism analysis indicates that corporate digital transformation further reduces carbon emission intensity by enhancing corporate social responsibility and total factor productivity levels. Thirdly, the impact of corporate digital transformation on carbon emission intensity shows heterogeneity between heavily polluting industries and non-heavily polluting industries, as well as between low-carbon pilot cities and non-low-carbon pilot cities, with the carbon reduction effect of corporate digital transformation being more pronounced in non-heavily polluting industries and low-carbon pilot cities. The conclusions of this study can provide empirical evidence for China to achieve its goals of "carbon neutrality" and "carbon peak", and also hold certain implications for other developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Song, Yanni & Xie, Zijun & Song, Yingchun, 2025. "The impact of Digital transformation on carbon emission intensity," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:102:y:2025:i:c:s1059056025004654
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2025.104302
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