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Path to environmental justice: How does the digital economy narrow environmental inequality?

Author

Listed:
  • Yang, Senmiao
  • He, Xiaohui
  • Jiang, Qingzhe
  • Wang, Jianda

Abstract

Environmental equity plays a crucial role in promoting social equity and actualizing sustainable development; it also prescribes an avenue to achieve environmental justice. Based on county-level PM2.5 grid data and provincial panel data in China from 2006 to 2019, this paper empirically explores the digital economy-environmental inequality nexus, further analyzing the internal mechanism and asymmetry. Findings postulate that: (1) the digital economy (DE) can mitigate environmental inequality in China; (2) the DE indirectly affects environmental inequality by promoting technological innovation, enhancing infrastructure construction, and strengthening environmental regulation; and (3) the negative impact of the DE appears more prominently in areas in northern China, areas with high levels of environmental inequality, and areas with low economic development. We also conclude with policy recommendations to support China in achieving environmental justice.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Senmiao & He, Xiaohui & Jiang, Qingzhe & Wang, Jianda, 2025. "Path to environmental justice: How does the digital economy narrow environmental inequality?," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:322:y:2025:i:c:s036054422501240x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135598
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Environmental inequality; Digital economy; Technological innovation; Infrastructure construction; Environmental regulation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • N50 - Economic History - - Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment and Extractive Industries - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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