Can Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone Promote Low-Carbon Urban Development? Evidence from China

Big data, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies are combined in a novel way by big data comprehensive pilot zones (BDCPZs) to provide cities with more comprehensive and precise evaluation and management services. However, it is still unclear how this platform will affect cities, especially with regard to carbon emissions. A sample of Chinese prefecture-level cities is used in this study. It examines the impact of BDCPZ buildings on carbon emissions in urban settings using a double-difference model. According to our data, even under rigorous testing, the use of BDCPZ substantially reduces carbon emissions. According to our analysis of the mechanism, the BDCPZ lowers carbon emissions by raising environmental awareness among the general population and strengthening urban green innovation capacities. The effect of BDCPZ in reducing urban carbon emissions is more pronounced in cities that are not dependent on natural resources, and are located in the eastern and western regions, and have greater levels of human capital, according to an examination of heterogeneity. Drawing from the aforementioned findings, this essay makes specific policy recommendations to support the development of low-carbon development in urban areas.