Benchmark regression.

China is transitioning into the digital economy era. The advancement of the digital economy could offer a fresh mechanism to attain carbon peak and carbon neutrality objectives. Applications of the digital economy, such as smart energy management, intelligent transport systems, and digital agricultural technologies, have significantly reduced carbon emissions by optimizing resource use, reducing energy waste, and improving production efficiency. This research does so by devising a theoretical model that looks into the multi-faceted power of the digital economy under a two-sector paradigm. Utilising a panel model, a mediation effect model and a spatial Durbin model to assess the digital economy’s power on carbon emissions. This research has determined that the digital economy can significantly diminish carbon emissions, with green tech innovations and industrial transformation being key contributors. The spatial spillover effect was used for the digital economy to aid in lowering carbon emissions in adjacent districts and upgrading better environmental stewardship. The influence of the digital economy has better performance in lowering carbon emissions in mid-western China than in the eastern area. This paper deepens understanding of the drivers of low-carbon growth and the significance, mechanism and regional disparities of the digital economy’s effect on reducing carbon emissions. It offers valuable policy insights and guidance for globally achieving digital economy growth, reducing carbon emissions and reaching carbon peak and neutrality goals.中国正迈入数字经济时代。数字经济的发展可为实现碳达峰、碳中和目标提供全新路径。数字经济的典型应用场景如智能能源管理、智能交通系统以及数字农业技术，通过优化资源配置、减少能源浪费、提升生产效率，已显著降低了碳排放。本研究构建两部门范式下的理论模型，剖析数字经济的多维度作用路径，并借助面板模型、中介效应模型以及空间杜宾模型（Spatial Durbin Model），评估数字经济对碳排放的影响效应。研究结果表明，数字经济可显著抑制碳排放，绿色技术创新与产业转型是其核心传导路径。数字经济还通过空间溢出效应，助力周边地区降低碳排放并提升环境治理水平。相较于东部地区，数字经济在我国中西部地区的碳减排效果更为显著。本研究深化了对低碳增长驱动因素的认知，明晰了数字经济碳减排效应的作用机制、重要意义与区域异质性，可为全球推动数字经济发展、降低碳排放以及实现碳达峰与碳中和目标提供具有参考价值的政策启示与实践指引。