The effects of a Smart Logistics policy on carbon emissions in China: A difference-in-differences analysis

The rapid development of logistics has increased carbon emissions. Smart Logistics distribution system is a comprehensive logistics system supported by advanced information technology, which aims to improve the operation efficiency of the logistics industry and reduce carbon emissions by optimizing resource allocation. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the effects of Smart Logistics policy (SLP) on China's carbon emissions. This paper used the binary choice model to investigate the main factors influencing the establishment of Smart Logistics in Chinese cities, and whether carbon emissions are the cause of the establishment of Smart Logistics. Secondly, it analyzed the effect of SLP on carbon emissions using a difference-in-differences (DID) model. The results reveal that freight volume, logistics employment, and total social retail are important factors determining whether a city should establish Smart Logistics or not. Additionally, the decision whether to establish Smart Logistics is an exogenous policy variable to carbon emissions. The implementation of SLP can restrain carbon emissions significantly, with a continuous impact in the second year. Based on the findings of this paper, a series of policy implications with respect to promote the development of Smart Logistics were proposed.