Innovation-driven sustainable development: Analysing the impact of digital technology on synergistic governance of pollution and carbon reduction

Air pollution and carbon emissions have a common source. Determining how to achieve coordinated emission reduction between the two is crucial for advancing sustainable development. Although digital technology (DT) is often regarded as an important tool for sustainable development, it remains uncertain whether it can simultaneously achieve dual benefits for the environment and climate. Based on a balanced panel data set of 269 cities in China from 2006 to 2023, this study empirically examined the impact of digital technology on the synergistic governance of pollution and carbon reduction (SGPCR) using dual machine learning. The results show that DT has a significant positive impact on SGPCR. This positive effect is nonlinear, starting slowly and then accelerating. From the perspectives of DT applications, big data analysis, intelligent manufacturing, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology, these technologies contribute to enhancing co-benefits in the economy and society. The results of the mechanism analysis show that the positive impact of digital technology on collaborative emission reduction is achieved through channels such as promoting green technological innovation, enhancing energy efficiency, and driving the agglomeration of digital industries. The results of heterogeneity tests based on different standards show that the positive role of DT is more pronounced in non-resource-based cities, regions with a higher intensity of ecological protection and civilisation construction, and cities with more complete digital infrastructure.