Digital Transformation and Rule of Law Based on Peak CO2 Emissions and Carbon Neutrality

Abstract

The promotion and implementation of carbon neutrality against peaking carbon dioxide emissions urgently need the support of science and technology and the backing provided by a guarantee of rule of law. The proposition, logic, and progression of digital responses to peaking carbon dioxide levels in the search for carbon neutrality are clearly reflected in the current era, employing big data to address the problems of inadequate central–local coordination and interaction, the inadequate application of the rule of law, campaign-style “carbon reduction” promotion, and scientific and technological support in the promotion and implementation of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality. We need to pay attention to the coordination of digital technology, the rule of law response, and the protection of people’s rights. First, in the process of digital carbon dioxide peaking and carbon neutrality, it is necessary to improve the credibility of carbon dioxide peaking and carbon neutrality through the “whole-process trace” and storage mechanism techniques that are made possible by blockchain technology. Second, it is necessary to refine the management of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality through “decentralization” and consensus mechanisms. Third, it is necessary to improve the effectiveness of governance in the management of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality through “non-falsifiability” and collaboration mechanisms. Fourth and finally, the conclusions of this paper are offered. First, from the aspect of smart city construction, it is necessary to promote the coordinated construction of a low-carbon city and smart city and explore the legal ramifications of low-carbon development in urban governance. Second, in corporate governance, we need to build a low-carbon-development digital platform to promote the integration of digital technology and corporate compliance. Third, in terms of global governance, we need to promote the rule of law in cyberspace to address global climate change, the low-carbon development of digital technology, and the low-carbon construction of a cyber society. Fourth, we need to emphasize the rights and obligations of different parties in the implementation mechanism of the rule of law on digital carbon peaks and carbon neutrality.