Bibliometric research on digital economy and environment nexus: Latest trend, development, and future domains

Climate change represents one of the most pressing global challenges of the twenty-first century, demanding innovative solutions across all economic sectors, while the digital economy has emerged as a transformative force with complex and contested implications for environmental sustainability. Although some research suggests digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for emissions reduction through improved efficiency, dematerialization, and sustainable innovation, other studies highlight substantial energy consumption and carbon footprints associated with digital infrastructure, data centers, and electronic devices. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research examining the intersection between digital economy development and climate change mitigation strategies, utilizing advanced bibliometric methods including citation network analysis, keyword co-occurrence mapping, and temporal trend analysis to systematically review over 2,500 peer-reviewed publications from 2010–2024 across major academic databases including Web of Science and Scopus. Our analysis reveals significant heterogeneity in research findings, with approximately 60% of studies reporting positive environmental impacts of digital economy initiatives, 25% identifying negative consequences, and 15% presenting mixed or inconclusive results. Five primary research clusters emerged from comprehensive thematic analysis: digital infrastructure energy consumption, smart technologies for environmental monitoring and management, sustainable digital platforms, green digitalization policies, and environmental impact assessment methodologies. The study proposes a consolidated conceptual framework integrating technological, economic, social, and environmental dimensions of digital transformation, distinguishing between direct, indirect, and systemic effects. Key research gaps include limited longitudinal studies and insufficient attention to developing country contexts, leading to evidence-based recommendations for standardized impact measurement methodologies, green digitalization policies, and emerging technologies for climate solutions.