Smart City, Digitalization and CO2 Emissions: Evidence from 353 Cities in China

The development of digital technology provides new governance methods for achieving the goal “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”. Since 2013, pilot construction smart cities in China has strengthened government’s capabilities significantly influenced reduction emissions. This paper empirical evidence driving effect digitization on emission based panel data from 353 China. results show that city pilots reduced regional emissions, implementation emissions by an average 6.6%, this is sustainable over long term. increase level digitalization promoted reduction. From perspective impact path, green patent innovation played a significant partial intermediary process digitization-driven micro-mechanism standpoint, plays role promoting high-polluting listed companies.