<p>As the digital economy develops, digital technologies are promoting green consumption channels, enhancing convenience, and diversifying consumption patterns. However, this transformation also increases energy use, raising concerns about the net environmental impact. This study investigates how the digital economy influences the relationship between green consumption and carbon emissions. Utilizing panel data from 30 Chinese provinces and autonomous regions between 2011 and 2022, the research applies fixed-effects models, the Driscoll-Kraay method, and a panel threshold regression analysis. The results indicate that: (1) Green consumption decreases provincial carbon emissions. (2) The digital economy moderates this negative relationship. (3) A threshold effect is identified. When the digital economy index is below 6.922, it significantly weakens the carbon-reducing effect of green consumption. Once this threshold is exceeded, the moderating effect becomes statistically insignificant. (4) In the eastern area, the digital economy intensifies the impact of green consumption in reducing carbon emissions. In the western region, this effect weakens, while in the central and northeastern areas, the moderating role is insignificant. These results suggest that initially, the digital economy may exert a “crowding out effect” that weakens the carbon reduction effect of green consumption. As it develops further, this influence may transform into a “synergistic effect” that enhances carbon reduction. Policymakers should tailor digital and environmental strategies to regional development levels and adopt phased approaches to fully harness the environmental advantages of green consumption in the digital era.</p> Graphical abstracts <p></p>