Mobile Industry Sees 8% Emission Reduction But Needs to Accelerate Efforts for Net Zero

Mobile Industry Emissions: A Call to Action for Net Zero

The mobile industry's operational emissions have experienced an 8% reduction between 2019 and 2023, as detailed in the latest GSMA report. This decline comes amidst a significant rise of 9% in mobile connections and a staggering quadrupling of data traffic during the same period. Such progress marks a crucial step in the right direction, yet it poses a challenge in the grander framework of climate change, where global emissions have surged by 4% since 2019.

The Current State of Emissions Reduction

The GSMA's fifth annual Mobile Net Zero report underscores that the mobile sector is successfully detaching its growth in data from emissions output. The report's findings indicate that, while emissions are on a downward trend, the sector must double its efforts to meet net-zero goals by 2050. A target reduction of 7.5% annually until 2030 is essential to keep pace with ecological requirements.

Preliminary data for 2024 points to a further 4.5% drop in emissions, an acceleration compared to previous years. However, this reduction still falls short of the necessary 7.5% annual decrease required to achieve 2030 goals. The report reveals that 37% of the electricity used by the mobile operators reporting to the CDP in 2023 was sourced from renewable energy, facilitating the avoidance of approximately 16 million tonnes of emissions.

Regional Performance and Key Players

It’s noteworthy that several regions are taking the lead in emissions reduction. Europe has successfully decreased its emissions by 56%, followed by North America at 44%, and Latin America at 36% between 2019 and 2023. In a significant turnaround, recent evaluations suggest that operational emissions in China fell by 4% in 2024, marking the first significant decline recorded in that era. This development underscores China’s role as a key player in achieving global net-zero targets, particularly as the country leads the world with over one billion 5G connections.

Drivers of Decarbonization

The acceleration of decarbonization efforts within the mobile industry is fueled by operators’ initiatives to enhance network energy efficiency and transition towards clean energy sources. Investments in solar energy and battery storage are becoming more prevalent, while reliance on diesel generators is being minimized. This transition is vital as companies explore sustainable alternatives to power their networks.

Steven Moore, Head of Climate Action at GSMA, expressed optimism regarding the industry's current trajectory. He stated, “Our findings show the mobile industry isn’t greenwashing or merely wishing to be green—it’s actively taking steps forward. Emissions are trending positively, but it’s critical that the pace of progress is doubled.”

Global Cooperation and Policy Landscape

Moore emphasized that the movement towards sustainability is not a solitary effort; rather, it requires a collaborative approach. To maintain and expand progress, he calls for better access to renewable energy sources, greater policy consistency, and stronger partnerships across the industry ecosystem. The strategic implementation of climate transition plans will play an increasingly pivotal role in navigating the complexities ahead.

Conclusion

The mobile sector is, without a doubt, in a transformative phase. The reported emissions reduction presents a substantial achievement, but the underscored need for enhanced pace highlights the urgency for immediate action. The trend of continuously rising data demands coupled with pressing climate goals requires a balanced approach that fosters growth while ensuring ecological conservation. As the industry heads towards the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Shanghai, these discussions surrounding emissions and sustainability will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the future of mobile connectivity. The path forward is clear: for the mobile industry to reach net-zero targets, collective action and unwavering commitment to innovation in clean technology are paramount.