The GSMA’s 2024 Mobile Net Zero report spotlights regional leaders in cutting carbon emissions since 2019, led by a 50% reduction in Europe. Operator emissions have fallen despite surging demand for connectivity and data, thanks to progress on energy efficiency and renewables.
27 February, Barcelona: The carbon emissions of mobile network operators[1] fell by 6% globally between 2019-2022, according to the GSMA’s fourth Mobile Net Zero report, published today at MWC Barcelona.
The report reveals regional variations in the reduction of operational emissions[2], with Europe leading the way with a 50% reduction. In North America, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, emissions fell by 20-30%. Although operational emissions rose in Greater China and the Asia-Pacific – the world’s largest and second largest mobile markets respectively – global emissions overall decreased, despite growing data usage.
Achieving the mobile sector’s target to reach net zero by 2050 relies on the industry cutting its emissions to 45% below 2020 levels by 2030. This means that overall emissions – including Scope 1, 2 and 3 – need to fall by around 7% per year up to 2030.
Recent progress shows that this is possible, as the target reduction rate has been exceeded over the past three years for operational emissions in Europe, North America, Latin America and MENA. The report notes that improved data and further analysis are needed to better understand ‘Scope 3’ trends, which relate to emission
