Technology continues to transform how economies function, but its environmental impact raises serious questions. A recent model from researchers at Henan University suggests there’s a way to keep progress moving without adding to the damage.
By linking digital growth to cleaner practices, the study shows that countries could reduce pollution, improve health outcomes, and still achieve strong development. With 2030 as a key benchmark, the findings offer a clear reminder: smarter systems and greener choices don’t need to be at odds.
Digital payments are everywhere now
Millions of people now handle digital payments as part of their daily routine. From transferring money through mobile apps to paying rent or buying household items online, these tasks no longer require a trip to the bank or the store.
Speed and ease are what drive this shift. With secure platforms and fast internet, the entire process takes seconds, not hours.
But the more we rely on these systems, the more energy they consume. Every transaction is processed in data centers that operate 24/7. Cryptocurrency transfers are a good example; they’ve become one of the fastest ways to move money across borders. There’s no waiting for bank approvals, and the fees are often lower, but these transactions still rely on complex blockchain systems that use heavy computing power.
Online entertainment adds another layer. Platforms such as MrQ UK allow players to deposit or withdraw funds instantly using familiar options such as Visa and Mastercard. It’s fast, simple, and removes the need for physical locations, all of which users have come to expect.
Still, every one of these digital actions draws power. Devices, servers, and networks all add to the total energy load. If digital payments continue to expand, then using cleaner, more efficient systems isn’t optional.
What the Henan University model actually shows
Researchers at Henan University of Urban Construction examined the question of growth and sustainability in the digital economy. Their work focuses on China’s economic structure, given its size and pace of change, though the conclusions extend beyond a single country.
Rather than making broad claims, the team developed a structured economic model to test alternative development paths through 2030.
The comparison is straightforward: one scenario follows conventional growth patterns; the other integrates digital efficiency with environmental safeguards. Under the optimized path, overall energy demand could fall to roughly 250 million tonnes of standard coal equivalent. That represents a nearly 20 percent reduction relative to baseline projections.
The savings come from efficiency gains rather than slowdown. Smarter logistics systems reduce wasted fuel. Automated manufacturing cuts excess energy use. Data-driven coordination across industries trims unnecessary output. The model suggests that cleaner growth does not require sacrificing productivity; it requires improving system performance.
Cleaner air means real health gains
Energy figures matter, but air quality carries a more immediate impact. Industrial emissions remain a major source of PM2.5 pollution, which are fine particles small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream. Long-term exposure increases the risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular problems.
The Henan model estimates that a greener digital pathway could lower PM2.5 concentrations to around 22.36 micrograms per cubic meter by 2030. That reduction, roughly 11.5 percent compared to standard projections, represents tangible health benefits. Fewer hospital visits. Lower treatment costs. Safer outdoor conditions for children and elderly populations.
Digital systems contribute in practical ways. Smart grid management reduces inefficient power generation. Automated monitoring flags excess emissions earlier. Digitised administrative systems reduce paper-intensive and transport-heavy processes. These shifts may seem minor in isolation, yet across an entire economy, they compound into measurable improvements.
Growth that doesn’t sacrifice sustainability
There’s often an assumption that environmental goals slow down economic momentum, but this model points in a different direction.
The green digital pathway doesn’t just maintain growth; it improves it. Simulations indicate stronger GDP outcomes, driven by greater efficiency and improved resource use. Less waste means more room for innovation. And when public health improves, people work more effectively.
Digital systems play a big part in this shift. Businesses that automate operations or reduce excess materials save money while staying competitive. In agriculture, smart sensors help manage irrigation and prevent overuse. In retail, software tools fine-tune logistics to avoid overproduction.
For policymakers, the signal is clear. It’s possible to grow without raising emissions. When economic development is decoupled from environmental harm, countries can remain aligned with both national priorities and international climate agreements.
What needs to happen for this to work
Reaching these outcomes takes more than good intentions. The report lays out what needs to change and where to begin.
First, digital expansion should always be matched with clean power. High-speed networks are important, but they perform best when supported by solar infrastructure, low-energy servers, and hardware designed for efficiency.
Some regions are already moving in this direction. Across Europe, rules are tightening around energy use in tech. Many providers are under pressure to cut emissions and invest in sustainable systems.
Skilled labour is part of the puzzle. As systems become more advanced, workers must be prepared. Training programs in green technology, from renewable energy systems to energy-efficient software, help ensure that the transition creates jobs rather than displaces them. Such planning supports both economic and social stability during the transition.
