#MobileNetZero – How can mobile tech help us reach Net Zero faster, easier, and cheaper?

The world needs to halve carbon emissions by 2030, which is a huge challenge, but still possible. It means using everything at our disposal to achieve this. Mobile technologies can play a significant role, with research showing smart connected technologies are already enabling carbon reductions 10 times the footprint of the mobile industry. This impact is expected to double by 2025 with more machine-to-machine connections. The mobile industry has the tools to help reduce carbon emissions across industry sectors. These tools are available now, and they must be used to reduce carbon emissions now if countries are to meet their 2030 net zero goal.

The mobile industry is also playing its part by decarbonising its own operations. In February 2019 the GSMA Board, representing the largest mobile operators globally, agreed an ambition on behalf of the mobile industry to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. There are now 40 mobile operators who have set Science Based Targets and 29 who have set net zero targets for 2050 or earlier. The majority of the industry has taken steps to rapidly reduce emissions. We have made a strong start to the journey.

During this high-level side event to COP26, we heard from Mats Granryd, the Director General of the GSMA, Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia, Dr. Paul Ryu, Executive Vice-President, SK Telecom, Andy Wales, Chief Sustainability Officer, BT Group, Mats Pellbäck Scharp, Head of Sustainability, Ericsson, Dexter Galvin, Global Director of Corporations and Supply Chains, CDP and Kelly Becker, President UK & Ireland Zone, Schneider Electric about how mobile technology can help us reach net zero. 

The first session took a look at how the mobile industry is playing its part and reducing emissions in line with the latest science from contributors leading on climate action.  

The second session focused on the new and innovative ways smart mobile connected technology is helping other sectors to cut their emissions, with examples from pioneers in the field. 

The event was hosted by Sue Nelson, broadcaster and journalist, former BBC Science, Environment & Technology correspondent.