How e-commerce development affects urban carbon emissions: Evidence from China

Abstract

Under the dual constraints of ensuring economic growth and achieving the "dual carbon" goals, the impact of e-commerce development on urban carbon emissions has become a new frontier in this era. This study utilizes urban panel data from 2008 to 2021 to systematically investigate the specific effects and mechanisms of e-commerce on carbon emissions from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. The research reveals that pilot policies such as the construction of national e-commerce demonstration cities significantly reduce carbon emissions, a conclusion that holds true even after a series of robustness tests. Further exploration indicates that promoting green innovation and enhancing energy efficiency are vital mechanisms through which pilot policies of national e-commerce demonstration city construction drive carbon emission reductions. Regions in the eastern and southern parts of the country, along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, non-resource-based cities, and peripheral cities are better positioned to leverage the digital economy dividend to advance carbon emissions reduction. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of carbon reduction and the social impacts of e-commerce development.