Digital economy and carbon efficiency: the roles of population aging and human capital

Abstract Digital technologies have changed consumption patterns and economic growth, increased energy consumption and raised concerns about their environmental impact. This study delves into this multifaceted dynamic by employing data sourced from 30 provinces across China. Employing both fixed effects regression and panel threshold regression models, the analysis scrutinizes these dynamics through a lens tightly aligned with labor force considerations, notably population aging and human capital levels. Heterogeneity analysis is performed on the basis of the linear and nonlinear impact of the digital economy on carbon emission reduction. The empirical findings reveal several significant insights: firstly, the expansion of the digital economy exhibits a pronounced negative correlation with carbon emissions intensity. Secondly, as the degree of population aging deepens, the suppressive effect of digital economic development on carbon emissions intensity correspondingly intensifies. Thirdly, the efficacy of carbon emission reduction attributable to the digital economy becomes stronger within contexts characterized by relatively elevated levels of human capital. Additionally, the discernible carbon emission reduction effect of the digital economy is more pronounced in the western region. These research outcomes furnish compelling empirical evidence to inform policymakers on strategies geared toward fostering the harmonized advancement of the digital economy and regional environmental governance.