Mobile operators share sustained progress on operational emissions – but targets will depend on renewables access
"Access to renewable energy remains one of the biggest factors determining how quickly operators can decarbonise."
Mobile operators have cut operational emissions by 13% since 2019, despite an exponential increase in connections and data traffic. But limited access to renewable power in some markets could slow down progress.
In its latest State of the Industry on Climate Action report, mobile industry association GSMA reveals that while mobile connections have risen by 10% and data traffic has more than quadrupled since 2019, the sector has managed to reduce operational emissions by 13% – 5% in 2024 alone.
Read also: GSMA Head of Climate Steven Moore on promoting ‘coopetition’ for sector decarbonisation
