Does E-government boost environmental performance?

At a time when environmental issues pose unprecedented challenges, it is critical to understand the impact of e-government on environmental outcomes in major global economies. This study examines the relationship between e-government and environmental performance using panel data from 122 international economies over an 11-year period, from 2003 to 2022. We first robustly confirm the positive effect of e-government on environmental performance. Our heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact of e-government is more significant in developing countries, countries with greater income inequality, economies with substantial environmental tax revenues, and those facing greater threats to public health from air pollution. In addition, our mechanistic investigations reveal that the use of combustible recyclables, fossil fuel energy consumption, green innovation, and national educational attainment are crucial mediators of this relationship. In line with our findings, we offer recommendations for improving e-government initiatives and promoting sustainable development.