Research on Digital Economy Empowering Urban Low-Carbon Transition

Abstract

Amidst the challenges of climate change and ecological degradation, China's "dual carbon" goals (carbon peak and carbon neutrality) have emerged as a critical imperative, with cities—as primary carbon emission sources—playing a pivotal role whose low-carbon transition efficacy directly determines national target attainment. This research examines how the digital economy empowers urban low-carbon transformation, positing that through innovation and application of digital technologies driving the digitalization, networking, and intellectualization of economic activities, it furnishes novel momentum and opportunities for this transition. Specifically, the digital economy facilitates industrial structure upgrading at the macro level while empowering enterprises to enhance energy utilization efficiency at the micro level; concurrently, it reshapes resident consumption patterns and lifestyles, promoting green consumption and low-carbon living. Mechanisms such as optimized resource allocation, industrial restructuring, technology-driven innovation, and consumption behavior guidance effectively reduce urban carbon emissions and foster optimized energy structures alongside green transformation. The study further explores three enabling models: technology-driven development, industrial integration, and regional coordination, while identifying practical challenges including insufficient digital infrastructure, data security and privacy concerns, and barriers like the digital divide and technology diffusion impediments. Finally, recommendations propose strengthening digital infrastructure, refining data security regulations, bridging the digital divide, and implementing policy guidance and institutional innovation to safeguard the integrated development of the digital economy and low-carbon transition.