Does the Development of Digital Economy Affect Environmental Pollution?

Abstract

The development of digital economy (Dig) promotes the development of green economy and the progress of ecological civilization. Based on the panel data of China from 2010 to 2020, this paper constructs the relevant index system and analyzes the impact of the Dig on environmental pollution (EP) by using a variety of econometric models. Subsequently, combined with the transmission effect to discuss its influence mechanism, the spatial quantile regression was used to explore spatial effects. The Dig is conducive to reducing EP, and there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between the two. Meanwhile, its influence has obvious regional heterogeneity, and the inhibition effect of Dig on EP is better in technology-intensive areas. Dig can alleviate EP by promoting technological innovation and optimizing industrial structure, but resource allocation has not played a role. In addition, the Dig has a significant impact on the distribution of EP in the middle quantile, and there is a negative spatial spillover effect on EP. Consequently, the study puts forward some suggestions to alleviate pollution from the aspects of promoting technological innovation and improving resource allocation efficiency.