The global telecom industry has made notable strides in cutting operational emissions, with an 8 percent reduction recorded between 2019 and 2023 — even as mobile connections grew by 9 percent and data traffic quadrupled.
According to the GSMA’s latest Mobile Net Zero report, this decoupling of emissions from data growth marks a significant shift in the sector’s sustainability trajectory, especially as global emissions have risen 4 percent over the same period.
The reduction in emissions has largely been driven by targeted operator strategies, including the adoption of renewable energy, improved network energy efficiency, and the decommissioning of legacy systems. In 2023, 37 percent of electricity used by operators disclosing to CDP came from renewable sources, up sharply from 13 percent in 2019 — helping avoid 16 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Regionally, Europe led with a 56 percent drop in operational emissions, followed by North America (−44 percent) and Latin America (−36 percent). China — the largest mobile market — achieved its first operational emissions decline in 2024, estimated at 4 percent, thanks to a fourfold increase in renewable energy use by operators.
Globally, 81 operators, representing nearly half of mobile connections, have now set or committed to science-based targets. The GSMA’s Climate Action Taskforce includes 77 operators covering 80 percent of global mobile connections, signalling robust industry alignment on climate goals.
The report also highlights growing urgency around Scope 3 emissions — those associated with supply chains and device manufacturing — which account for over two-thirds of the industry’s total carbon footprint. While transparency on Scope 3 is improving, the GSMA emphasizes the need for deeper collaboration and more robust climate transition plans to tackle value chain emissions.
Circularity is emerging as another key strategy. With growing consumer interest in device longevity and refurbishment, the second-hand phone market is accelerating — expected to hit $150 billion by 2027. Refurbished phones can reduce emissions by 80–90 percent compared to new devices, offering environmental and economic benefits.
Despite these achievements, the pace of progress must now more than double. Emissions need to fall 7.5 percent annually through 2030 to align with net zero by 2050. Broader renewable access, clearer climate policies, and ecosystem-wide cooperation are essential to sustain momentum and deliver on climate ambitions.
TelecomLead.com News Desk