The impact of digital economy development on carbon emissions-based on the perspective of carbon trading market

This study, grounded in panel data derived from A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen spanning the years 2011–2019, employs a panel data fixed-effects model. It scrutinizes the ramifications of digital economic advancement on carbon emissions, adopting the perspective of the carbon trading market. The investigation delves into novel mechanisms and diverse studies about carbon reduction within the realm of the digital economy. Findings indicate that in carbon trading markets, a one-unit augmentation in the level of digital economic development corresponds to a reduction of 0.417 units in carbon emissions. Regions, whether economically advanced or less developed, witness favorable impetus in carbon reduction effects. However, the latter exhibits a relatively more substantial impact, averaging a reduction of 0.589 units in carbon emissions. Mechanistically, leveraging scale effects and green technological innovation, this research identifies the overarching factor of productivity of enterprises as a pivotal regulatory determinant. The digital economy, while augmenting overall factor productivity, manifests a heightened constraining influence on carbon reduction, particularly evident in companies immersed in carbon trading markets. This study not only introduces a novel analytical perspective for a comprehensive exploration of the carbon emissions impact of the digital economy but also furnishes valuable policy insights to actively propel the evolution of carbon trading markets and carbon finance. These insights contribute significantly to the dynamic progression of policies governing carbon trading. [Display omitted] •The more significant development of the digital economy has led to a noticeable reduction in carbon emissions from businesses in the carbon trading market.•The mechanisms of the carbon trading market are crucial in the carbon emission reduction effects of the digital economy.•It fills the current research gap regarding the role of the carbon trading market in the carbon emission reduction effects of the digital economy, promoting the development of carbon finance.