Optimizing the potential of green growth: the symmetric and asymmetric convergence of digitalization, natural Resources, and environmental resilience

Zhong Ni, Muhammad Usman, Rakhshanda Kousar, Muhammad Irfan and Mohammad Haseeb

Post-Communist Economies, 2026, vol. 38, issue 1, 1-29

Abstract: China’s rapid industrialisation and digitalisation have significantly advanced green growth but also intensified natural resource extraction, deteriorating environmental issues such as climate change and global warming. This study examines the symmetric and asymmetric effects of digitalisation and natural resource extraction on China’s ecological footprint and green growth from 1990 to 2020, including renewable energy and human capital as control variables. Using both linear and nonlinear ARDL models, the findings show that positive and negative shocks in digitalisation positively influence environmental protection and green growth in the short- and long-term. Conversely, natural resource extraction, regardless of direction, has adverse effects on environmental quality and hinders green development. Additionally, renewable energy and human capital investments significantly reduce environmental degradation and promote sustainable growth. The results highlight the need for policy measures that limit resource exploitation and strengthen digital innovation, clean energy, and education to ensure long-term ecological and economic sustainability in China.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1080/14631377.2025.2587006

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