Can China’s big data policy reduce air pollution and carbon emissions?

• In Event:  International Insights: Reducing Carbon Emissions

Abstract

Purpose: Realizing synergistic control of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions is of utmost importance for China to make significant progress towards a green and low-carbon transition. The intrinsic relationship between highly green-valued big data and sustainable development is a topic that requires further clarification. The purpose of this study is to analyze whether big data policy can achieve synergistic reduction of air pollution and carbon emissions, the underlying mechanisms, and whether heterogeneous effects exist in different contexts.
Design/methodology/approach: This study utilizes dynamic comparisons approach to construct the indicator of the synergistic reduction of air pollution and carbon emissions,  and adopts a quasi-natural experiment approach to examine the impact of the establishment of National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zones (NBDCPZs) on air pollution and carbon emissions. Using a Difference-in-Difference (DID) model, the study analyzes balanced panel data from 2006 to 2022, covering 276 prefectural-level cities in China.
Findings: The research results confirm that the establishment of NBDCPZs has a significant and positive effect on the synergistic reduction of air pollution and carbon emissions. The study also highlights two potential mechanisms involved, namely improving the public transportation network and promoting green innovation. Furthermore, the study reveals that the positive impact of NBDCPZs is more pronounced in cities at lower administrative levels and non-resource-based cities.
Policy implications: Three policy recommendations are proposed. First, advance the development of NBDCPZs by leveraging their potential as exemplars of environmental and climate governance. Regularly evaluate the performance of the different pilot districts and replicate the experience of the high-performing pilot districts. Second, integrate big data into the transportation sector to promote intelligent transportation systems. Furthermore, establish a virtuous cycle of green innovation and data-driven advancements. Third, tailor customized plans that address the specific characteristics of each region. For traditional industries in resource-based cities, strengthen the integration of big data technology with them. Empower smaller cities to explore new avenues for economic growth, and enable larger cities to foster sustainable urban development through the synergistic effects of industrial agglomeration.
Originality/value: The Originality of this study lies in three aspects. First, by considering big data as a synergistic governance tool, this research proposes how big data policies exert their impact through public behaviors and green innovations.  Second, the study analyzes the synergistic reduction effect of NBDCPZs on air pollutants and carbon emissions, offering a comprehensive and scientific evaluation of the policy's overall effectiveness. Third, the study explores the potential heterogeneity of NBDCPZ’s impact across various administrative levels and resource endowment conditions, providing effective design of pathways for the synergistic reduction of air pollution and carbon emissions through big data policies.

Author

• Xiaodan Wang, Southeast University
  Presenting Author