Mobile Industry Emissions Reduce by 8%, But Doubling Efforts Needed for Net Zero

Mobile Industry Emissions Reduce by 8%, But Doubling Efforts Needed for Net Zero



The mobile telecommunications sector has made notable strides in reducing operational emissions, with an 8% decrease recorded between 2019 and 2023, according to the latest report from GSMA. This achievement comes despite a 9% growth in mobile connections and a fourfold increase in data traffic during the same period. The report highlights the industry's ability to decouple emissions from growth, a sharp contrast to the 4% rise in global emissions since 2019.

However, experts warn that to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the industry must accelerate its efforts and reduce emissions by 7.5% annually until 2030—more than double the current average reduction rate.

Key Findings


  • - Future Outlook: Preliminary data for 2024 indicates a potential emission reduction of 4.5%. Although this accelerates progress, it's still insufficient to meet the requirement of 7.5% annual decrease by 2030.
  • - Renewable Energy Adoption: In 2023, 37% of the operator-reported electricity consumption came from renewable sources, which helped avoid 16 million tons of emissions. This indicates a growing commitment to cleaner energy solutions.
  • - Industry Commitment: A total of 81 mobile operators, covering nearly half of global connections, have set science-based targets or made commitments toward significant emission reductions.
  • - Regional Progress: Europe (–56%), North America (–44%), and Latin America (–36%) lead in operational emission reductions from 2019 to 2023.
  • - China's Shifting Trends: For the first time, an analysis showed that operational emissions in China are expected to drop by 4% in 2024, signaling a new phase in emissions management in this significant market.

The push for faster decarbonization is driven by operators' efforts to enhance energy efficiency within networks and transition to clean energy sources, including solar and battery storage, while simultaneously reducing reliance on diesel generators.

Steven Moore, GSMA's head of climate action, emphasized the industry’s genuine commitment to sustainability, saying, “Our findings suggest that the mobile sector is not just engaging in greenwashing; it is actively making strides toward sustainability. The trajectory of emissions is encouraging, yet we must increase the pace of progress.”

This is indeed a global challenge, and it is encouraging to see momentum developing across various regions—from Latin America to Europe, and particularly in China. Achieving these goals will require more comprehensive support including improved access to renewable energy, greater political stability, and enhanced collaboration across the ecosystem. Plans addressing climate change are destined to play an increasingly vital role in tackling upcoming challenges.

The discussion on these critical topics will continue at the MWC25 in Shanghai, where there are over one billion 5G connections—an event underscoring the vital role of telecom in facilitating innovation and sustainability. As the sector moves forward, it underscores the urgency for concerted efforts across various stakeholders to effect real, lasting change.

In conclusion, while the mobile industry has made commendable progress in reducing emissions, the path to net-zero remains steep and requires immediate, intensified actions from all players involved. Industry leaders must not only focus on maintaining existing reductions but also strategize for even greater declines in the coming years to meet the ambitious climate targets set for the future.

Topics Telecommunications)

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