Mobile Net Zero 2024
State of the Industry on Climate Action
2. Tracking progress on climate action
The latest data from operators show strong progress in most regions, demonstrating how operators across markets can take action to reduce emissions.
A growing number of operators are publicly disclosing their climate impacts
Public disclosure of climate impacts is vital for transparency and to understand progress towards net zero.
70 mobile network operators representing over half of mobile connections globally disclosed to the CDP in 2023, compared with 67 operators in 2022. In addition, data was gathered from nine large operators' sustainability reports, bringing the total coverage of disclosures to 80% of connections.
The quality of disclosures has also improved, with a record 19 operators receiving an A score in 2023
The quality of disclosures has improved, with a record 36 operators receiving a Leadership score (A or A-) in 2023. 19 operators – over a quarter (27%) of operators disclosing to CDP – received the highest score (A). This compares with just 1.5% of all companies disclosing to CDP on climate receiving an A in 2023.
Operators have also improved the coverage and quality of Scope 3 disclosures – the most difficult emissions to measure – with nearly two-thirds of operators disclosing to CDP reporting on 10 or more Scope 3 categories.
Three-quarters of the mobile industry’s overall carbon emissions are Scope 3 value chain emissions
Based on the GSMA’s analysis of data disclosed to CDP and corporate reports, the mobile industry’s operational emissions (Scope 1 + Scope 2 market-based) were an estimated 140 million tonnes (Mt) CO2e in 2022, equivalent to around 0.3% of global GHG emissions.
Value chain emissions (Scope 3) were an estimated 420 MtCO2e or three-quarters of the total emissions of the industry. Over 90% of Scope 3 emissions came from five categories: 1) Purchased goods and services; 2) Capital goods; 3) Fuel- and energy-related activities; 11) Use of sold products; and 15) Investments.
Operational emissions in most regions fell between 2019 and 2022
These latest estimates show positive progress since 2019 when the GSMA Board committed to reaching net zero by 2050.
Operational emissions in most regions fell between 2019 and 2022, led by a 50% reduction in Europe. In North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa (MENA), operators reduced their emissions by 20–30%. Emissions from operators in Greater China rose 3% while those from Asia Pacific rose 10%. Operational emissions at the global level fell 6% between 2019 and 2022.
To reach the targets set out by the science-based pathway for the mobile sector (45% below 2020 by 2030), the industry’s emissions – including Scope 1, 2, and 3 – need to fall by an average rate of around 7% per year to 2030.
While this appears challenging, recent progress shows this is within reach. The target reduction rate has been exceeded over the past three years for operational emissions in Europe, North America, Latin America, and MENA. Improved data and further analysis are needed to better understand Scope 3 trends.
