Does information and communication technology reduce carbon emissions in China? Evidence from the quasi-natural experiment of the “Broadband China” pilot policy

The relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and carbon emissions has been inconsistent. Based on the panel data for 261 cities from 2008 to 2018 in China, this paper takes the “Broadband China” pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment, and uses the difference-in-differences model, instrumental variable approach and other research methods to comprehensively evaluate the impact of the “Broadband China” pilot policy on carbon emissions. Our research found that the “Broadband China” pilot policy can reduce carbon emissions in China, but there was a certain lag in this effect. At the same time, the “Broadband China” pilot policy can reduce carbon emissions by promoting adjustment of industrial structure and green technology innovation, and the mechanism of green technology innovation played a stronger role. In addition, we also found that there was a spatial spillover effect of the “Broadband China” pilot policy affecting carbon emissions.