How digital economy mitigates urban carbon emissions: the green facilitative power of industrial coagglomeration

Utilizing panel data from 278 Chinese cities spanning 2011 to 2021, this study investigates the effects of digital economy (DE) development on urban carbon emissions (CE). The findings indicate that DE effectively contributes to carbon reduction. Industrial coagglomeration functions as a pivotal mechanism through which DE influences CE. As the degree of coagglomeration intensifies, the carbon-reducing effect of DE becomes more pronounced. Additionally, the influence of DE on CE demonstrates notable spatial spillover effects. Heterogeneity analysis further reveals that this carbon reduction effect is particularly significant in western region, medium-sized cities, and resource-based cities. These insights offer a new perspective on the role of DE in carbon reduction and empirical support for reaching China’s dual-carbon targets.