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Is There a Conflict between Automation and Environment? Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Carbon Emissions in China

Author

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  • Xianpu Xu

    (School of Business, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China)

  • Yuchen Song

    (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo 315000, China)

Abstract

While artificial intelligence (AI) has had a great impact on the global economy, it has also brought new hope and opportunities for environmental protection. In this context, the authors of this paper collected balanced panel data for 30 Chinese provinces during 2006–2019 and studied the impact of AI development on local carbon emissions by using a two-way fixed-effect model. The results show that AI has significantly lowered carbon emissions. Using a series of robustness tests and instrumental variable (IV) analysis, it was found that the results are still reliable. Furthermore, mechanism analysis revealed that AI mainly reduces carbon emissions by improving energy structure and technological innovation. The lower the dependence on fossil energy, the higher technological innovation becomes, and the better the carbon reduction effect of AI. In addition, the regional heterogeneity test detected that the emission reduction effect of AI is best in the East, followed by the West, and not significant in the Central region. Therefore, to fully exploit the positive effects of AI on carbon emissions, this paper suggests accelerating intelligent transformation, formulating differentiated AI development strategies, promoting the green transformation of energy usage, and strengthening local human capital accumulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Xianpu Xu & Yuchen Song, 2023. "Is There a Conflict between Automation and Environment? Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Carbon Emissions in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:16:p:12437-:d:1218236
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    Cited by:

    1. Xianpu Xu & Lingyun Huang, 2024. "How Does Environmental Protection Tax Affect Urban Energy Consumption in China? New Insights from the Intensity Difference-in-Differences Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-26, May.
    2. Ping Han & Tingting He & Can Feng & Yihan Wang, 2024. "Research on Whether Artificial Intelligence Affects Industrial Carbon Emission Intensity Based on the Perspective of Industrial Structure and Government Intervention," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-19, October.
    3. Shan Feng & Shuguang Liu, 2023. "Does AI Application Matter in Promoting Carbon Productivity? Fresh Evidence from 30 Provinces in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-19, November.

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