Data-driven solutions: Uncovering the hidden potential of big data technologies in in building low-carbon cities

Abstract

In 2015 and 2016, the Chinese government implemented the National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone (NBDCPZ) policy in eight regions of eastern, central, western, and northeastern China. The main goal of the NBDCPZ policy is to promote industrial transformation and upgrading in the region, and promote the application and development of the big data industry. Based on Chinese city data from to 2009–2019, this study’s estimates show that urban carbon emissions (CE) decreased by 11.8% after the implementation of the NBDCPZ policy. To ensure the robustness of our results, various tests were conducted, all of which confirmed the negative causal effect of NBDCPZ on CE. Heterogeneity studies have shown that cities with higher initial carbon endowments have greater reductions in carbon emissions owing to the introduction of NBDCPZ policies. In addition, the impact of the policy on urban energy conservation and emission reduction in eastern China is particularly significant. The mechanism analysis shows that NBDCPZ policy achieves emission reduction through activating the CE reduction effect of green technology and encouraging low-carbon virtual life.