SDG 13 Climate Action, requires urgent intervention. The GSMA works with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) worldwide to transition the industry to net zero emissions by 2050.
Connected mobile technology helps avoid emissions by improving efficiency and supporting behaviour change, forming an important part of the decarbonisation solution.
To date, 62 operators representing 61% of the industry by revenue have committed to rapidly cut their direct and indirect emissions by 2030, and almost half the industry have committed to reach net zero by 2050 or earlier.
To achieve these reductions, operators need to take a holistic approach including switching to renewable energy (RE) sources, moving to a circular business model, incorporating digital solutions to improve efficiency and utilising energy efficient technologies such as 5G.
In 2022 almost a quarter of electricity used by MNOs globally came from direct RE purchases. Operators in Europe are leading the way, with 83% RE use. And BT Group, Proximus, TDC, Telefonica, Telenor, Telia and Vodafone have already achieved 100% renewable electricity for their European operations.
The GSMA is working with the industry on circularity and in June twelve leading operators committed to boost take-back of mobile phones and prevent any devices going to landfill.
