Navigating the digital divide: unraveling the impact of ICT usage and supply on SO2 emissions in China’s Yangtze River Delta

Abstract

Abstract The relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and environmental pollution is widely recognized and complex. To better understand the environmental impact of ICT, we divide it into two facets: the supply side and the usage side. This study investigates the impact of ICT usage and ICT supply on sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions using random effect and spatial Durbin model in China Yangtze River Delta from 2011 to 2019. The findings reveal an inverted U-shape relationship between ICT usage and SO2 emission, while the supply of ICT has a significant negative impact on SO2 emissions. Furthermore, the spillover effect of ICT usage shows insignificant outcomes, but the supply of ICT has a significant and negative impact on SO2 emissions. Collectively, these findings provide fresh insights and empirical evidence into the effects of ICT usage and ICT supply on SO2 emissions, bearing significant policy implications for promoting ICT to attain sustainable development goals.