A new study from Henan University of Urban Construction shows that a shift to a green digital economy could slash energy use and significantly improve public health by 2030.
Researchers modelled China’s future economy to quantify how the digital economy affects everything from carbon footprints to human life expectancy.
They used a Dynamic Energy Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model to simulate different growth scenarios through the year 2030.
“The digital economy is the new engine of global expansion, but its true value lies in its potential to harmonise wealth with wellness,” explained Professor Songtao Huo, who led the research.
“Our model shows that by integrating digital growth with green energy, we can significantly lower PM2.5 concentrations and prevent health losses caused by industrial pollution.”
The digital economy must be green to reap the benefits
As high-speed internet, cloud computing, and digital platforms become the backbone of modern life, a vital question emerges: Is this explosion of digital infrastructure good for the environment?
The study reveals that the answer is a resounding yes, provided we choose the green path.
The findings suggest that the digital economy is not just about faster data; it is a powerful lever for environmental and physical health.
Under a “Green Digital Economy” scenario, the research predicts a dramatic decoupling of economic growth from pollution.
The power of a green digital shift
The transition to a green digital economy could have several environmental and health benefits, including:
Energy efficiency
By 2030, a green digital transformation could slash total energy consumption to 250 million tons of standard coal equivalent – nearly a 20% reduction compared to business-as-usual projections.
Cleaner air and better health
The study forecasts a significant drop in air pollution. PM2.5 concentrations could fall to approximately 22.36 µg/m³ by 2030, an 11.5% improvement that would directly translate into fewer respiratory illnesses and a healthier population.
Economic wins
Going green doesn’t mean slowing down. The simulation found that the GDP growth rate under the green digital economy actually outperforms the base scenario, proving that sustainability is a driver of prosperity, not a barrier.
Smart policy
The research provides a data-backed roadmap for policymakers, emphasising that the development of digital infrastructure must go hand in hand with renewable energy to maximise benefits.
A call to action for policymakers
The study serves as a critical guide for urban planners and national leaders, highlighting that the transition to a green digital economy offers a rare opportunity to “reset” our environmental impact, clearing the skies while boosting the bottom line.
By quantifying the hidden health benefits of a digital-green alliance, the research moves the conversation beyond simple carbon counting and focuses on what matters most: the well-being of the people living within these shifting economic landscapes.
