The Effect of Digital Economy Development on Carbon Emission Reduction—An Empirical Analysis Based on 80 Countries of the Belt and Road Initiative

Based on data from China and 80 countries belonging to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for the period 2010–2022, this study employs a benchmark panel regression model to thoroughly analyze the impact of digital economy development on carbon emission reduction in BRI countries. The research findings indicate that the development of the digital economy in BRI countries has facilitated carbon emission reduction. This effect exhibits heterogeneity. Compared to other regions, the impact is more pronounced in countries with higher levels of socio-economic development, located in Africa and Europe, and along the Land Silk Road, and BRI countries neighboring China. The mechanisms through which this effect operates include industrial structure adjustment, technological innovation, and changes in energy intensity. Based on these insights, specific and targeted development recommendations for BRI countries at different levels of development and geographical distributions are proposed. These suggestions focus on strengthening infrastructure construction to bridge the digital divide; enhancing technological capabilities and promoting the integration of the digital economy with the real economy to upgrade industrial structures; and implementing differentiated digital economy development strategies to reduce energy consumption, among other measures.