The Impact of the Global Digital Economy on Carbon Emissions: A Review

Abstract

Based on the PRISMA systematic review framework, this study screened relevant literature from the Web of Science database and selected 102 studies for analysis. Using CiteSpace for bibliometric analysis, this study identified three core research areas: (1) measurement methods for carbon emissions and digital economy, (2) the nonlinear relationship between digital economy and carbon emissions, and (3) mediating mechanisms. The results demonstrate that while digital technologies can reduce carbon emissions by improving energy efficiency, promoting green technology innovation, and upgrading industrial structure, the energy-intensive nature of digital infrastructure may conversely increase emissions. Notably, the relationship may exhibit nonlinear characteristics (inverted U-shaped or N-shaped curves). Three key mechanisms are summarized: energy efficiency effects, green technology innovation effects, and industrial structure effects. Future research should focus on optimizing evaluation systems, applying remote sensing technology, conducting micro-level studies, and examining digital divide impacts. This study provides both a comprehensive theoretical framework and practical policy insights for understanding the digital economy-carbon emissions relationship.