A nonlinear analysis of the impacts of information and communication technologies on environmental quality: A global perspective

Abstract

Although many current studies have explored a series of factors influencing environmental quality, few have investigated the nonlinearity between information and communication technology (ICT) and the environment. This article uses the method of moments quantile regression (MM-QR) technique to evaluate the nonlinear and heterogeneous effects of all influencing factors on carbon dioxide emissions under various emission distributions. Using panel data from 90 countries, the results first indicate that ICT exerts a significant positive impact on carbon emissions; specifically, the higher the level of ICT development, the greater the carbon emissions. Second, in the conditional distribution of carbon emissions, the influence of ICT exhibits considerable heterogeneity, and ICT development has a larger positive effect on carbon dioxide emissions in countries with lower levels of pollution from a global perspective. Finally, the adverse impact of ICT on the environment can be mitigated through financial system development, urbanization, industrialization, and trade openness. This study enriches existing related literature and provides targeted insights for governments and policymakers in low- and high-pollution countries to reduce environmental pollution and promote sustainable development.