The Impact of the Digital Economy on Carbon Emission Levels and Its Coupling Relationships: Empirical Evidence from China

The development of the digital economy has injected new vitality into the global economy, but the environmental issues it raises cannot be ignored. This paper analyzes the impact of the digital economy on carbon emission levels and their coupling relationships using panel data from 30 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions in mainland China from 2013 to 2021. By employing the coupling coordination degree model and the PVAR model, the study finds that the digital economy in mainland China has shown an upward trend, while carbon emission levels have exhibited a downward trend. The coupling degree between the digital economy and carbon emission levels is relatively good, though the coupling coordination degree is still in its early stages, indicating significant room for development. The digital economy has achieved a positive cumulative effect and can promote itself, and it has a significant negative impact on carbon emission levels.