Better e-commerce less carbon emissions in China?

E-commerce, the fastest growing industry, has had a significant influence on global carbon emissions. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the nexus of e-commerce and CO2 emissions by using 30 provincial panel data in China from 2011 to 2021. We construct generalized method of moments (GMM) with five control variables and two mediating variables. Benchmark regression based on difference and system-GMM proves that the prosperity of e-commerce can inhibit the expansion of CO2 emissions. In addition, the heterogeneity analysis based on regional division shows that e-commerce in the Eastern provinces inhibits carbon emissions more than in the Central and Western provinces or those provinces excluding municipalities. The mediating effects of energy intensity and technological innovation indicate that e-commerce can suppress carbon emissions by both decreasing energy intensity and increasing technological innovation. Based on the estimated findings, policy- makers can promote the sustainable green development of the e-commerce industry through policy support, technological innovation, efficient energy use, subregional strategies, and international cooperation.