[Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Synergistic Pollution and Carbon Reduction].

Abstract

With the rise of next-generation information technologies， artificial intelligence （AI） has demonstrated substantial potential in enhancing environmental governance and promoting green development. Using panel data from 267 prefecture-level cities in China spanning from 2014 to 2023， this study applies a variety of econometric models， including the two-way fixed effects model and spatial Durbin model， to explore the impact of AI on synergistic pollution and carbon reduction and its underlying mechanisms. The results indicate that： ① AI significantly promoted synergistic pollution and carbon reduction， with its impact exhibiting dynamic changes. ②Industrial structure upgrading， green technological innovation， and resource misallocation alleviation were key pathways through which AI drove synergistic pollution and carbon reduction. ③ The effect of AI on synergistic pollution and carbon reduction showed dual-threshold characteristics due to variations in digital infrastructure development. ④ The influence of AI on synergistic pollution and carbon reduction exhibited pronounced spatial spillover effects， which could foster regional synergistic pollution and carbon reduction through technological diffusion. This study not only uncovers the mechanisms through which AI influences synergistic pollution and carbon reduction but also provides empirical evidence for the construction of a cross-regional green collaborative governance system.