Against the high-risk backdrop of 'climate penalty' in resource-based cities, enhancing the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance of local enterprises is of paramount importance, yet relevant research is scarce. Using the BCDC (Broadband China Demonstration City) policy as a natural shock to the regional digital economy, the DID (Difference-in-Differences) method is used to examine the influence of the digital economy on ESG performance. Findings reveal that the digital economy contributes to improved ESG performance of businesses located in resource-based cities, which still...
