Impact of computing infrastructure on carbon emissions in China

Abstract

The development of computing infrastructure has brought about increased productivity, but it has also brought about energy consumption and carbon emissions. Based on the panel data and business enterprise registration data of 279 prefecture-level cities from 2008 to 2021, using the econometric model system, this study investigates the relationship between computing infrastructure and carbon emission intensity, yielding several findings: First, our result finds that there is an inverse “U-shaped” pattern in the association between carbon emission intensity and computing infrastructure. According to several robustness tests, such as using IV method and PCSD model, the research conclusion still holds. Second, heterogeneity analysis indicates that our findings are particularly pronounced in central regions, hub cities and moderately digitally developed cities. Third, mechanism analysis shows that carbon emission intensity is influenced by computing infrastructure through energy consumption, green technological innovation, and servitization of the economic structure, with energy consumption also following an inverted “U-shaped” pattern. These findings contribute to understanding the environmental impact of digital infrastructure and offer insights for promoting sustainable development.