The impact of digital economy development on agricultural carbon emissions——empirical research based on Chinese data

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of digital economy development on carbon emissions in Chinese agriculture and its underlying mechanisms. Empirical analysis is conducted using panel data from 31 provinces in China for the years 2013 to 2021, employing a fixed-effects model.The study reveals that the development of the digital economy significantly reduces agricultural carbon emissions, with this effect showing a non-linear increasing trend. The impact of digital economy development on agricultural carbon emissions varies with climate types, and the reduction effect is more pronounced in regions with lower rainfall. Furthermore, the development of the digital economy lowers the intensity of agricultural carbon emissions by improving logistics efficiency and promoting industrial upgrading and transformation.This paper provides a theoretical basis and policy recommendations for the nation to reduce agricultural carbon emissions and promote green transformation. It suggests that the government should strengthen support and guidance for the development of the digital economy, actively promote the digitalization of agriculture, including the formulation of differentiated strategies for the development of digital agriculture, improvement of regulations and standards for agricultural product logistics, and enhancement of the application and innovation in smart agriculture.