Leveraging Environmental Information Disclosure for Sustainable Cities: Quasi-Experimental Evidence from China

Environmental information disclosure, a key tool in modern environmental governance, drives green technology innovation and sustainable development. In this study, we examined how air information disclosure, induced by the issuance of China’s Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQSs), drives urban sustainable development (USD) through environmental information disclosure. Using a multi-period difference-in-differences model and panel data from 278 cities (2005–2022), we analyzed causal effects, mechanisms, and urban heterogeneity. The findings offer insights for leveraging disclosure to advance urban sustainability. The results showed that AAQSs’ implementation significantly increases USD. Mechanism analysis revealed two mediating pathways: stimulating green technological innovation and enhancing governmental environmental concern. Climate policy uncertainty positively moderates this relationship. Heterogeneity analysis revealed stronger impacts in non-provincial capital cities, non-resource-dependent cities, and regions with weaker sustainable development foundations. The findings provide empirical evidence for leveraging information disclosure to promote green transitions and strengthen environmental concerns.