Quantitative Study on the Relationship between Digital Economy Development and Household Carbon Emission in Shanghai Municipality

Abstract

With the booming development of the digital economy, its impact on household consumption patterns and carbon emission behaviors has received increasing attention. This study quantitatively analyzes the relationship between the development of digital economy and household carbon emissions using data from the 2010-2020 China Family Tracking Survey (CFPS) in Shanghai. It is found that the development of digital economy significantly contributes to the upgrading of household consumption structure, especially the increase of developmental and enjoyment consumption, while the proportion of survival consumption gradually decreases. Household income is a key factor influencing the upgrading of the consumption structure, the application of digital technology has had a profound impact on household consumption behavior, and the green consumption trend has gradually become a new trend in household consumption. This study also explores the heterogeneous impacts of the digital economy on household carbon emissions and proposes corresponding policy recommendations to promote the green development of the digital economy and the low-carbon transition of household consumption. The findings provide new perspectives for understanding the environmental impacts of the digital economy and have important theoretical and practical implications for the formulation of environmentally friendly policies.