Mobile Net Zero 2024
State of the Industry on Climate Action
Climate action continues to be a key priority for the mobile industry. In 2019, the mobile industry set a goal to reach net zero by 2050, becoming one of the first sectors in the world to set such an ambitious target.
This report is the fourth annual assessment of the industry’s progress towards this goal and provides key recommendations for how mobile network operators, suppliers, and governments can work together to accelerate progress across the sector.
66
MEMBERS
WITH A GLOBAL NETWORK
More mobile network operators joined the GSMA Climate Action Taskforce in 2023. The Taskforce has grown rapidly over the last three years and now has 66 members, with networks in most countries around the world.
70
OPERATORS
COMMITTED TO NEAR-TERM CLIMATE TARGETS
Mobile network operators are leaders in proactively committing to voluntary climate targets. Over the past year, eight operators submitted new near-term targets to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), bringing the global total to 70 operators, representing nearly half of global mobile connection industry. 53 operators have also committed to net zero targets.
80%
OF CONNECTIONS DISCLOSED THEIR CLIMATE IMPACTS
19
OPERATORS
RECEIVED AN A-SCORE
The quality of disclosures has improved, with a record 19 operators receiving an A score in 2023. Over a quarter of operators disclosing to CDP received an A, compared with just 1.5% of all companies disclosing to CDP in 2023. Operators also improved the coverage and quality of Scope 3 disclosures - the most difficult to measure - with nearly two-thirds of operators disclosing to CDP on 10 or more Scope 3 categories.
¾
OF INDUSTRY'S OVERALL CARBON EMISSIONS ARE SCOPE 3 VALUE CHAIN EMISSIONS
OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS
SCOPE 1 & SCOPE 2 OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS FELL BY
6%
ENERGY INTENSITY OF DATA TRANSMISSION FELL BY
10-20%
PER YEAR BETWEEN 2019 - 2022
High and volatile energy prices over the past three years have increased the urgency of maximising energy efficiency. Information from operators show that the energy intensity of data transmission fell by an average of 10-20% per year between 2019 and 2022. Globally, the average connection consumed around 30 kWh in 2022, with significant variation between countries.
50
TWh
RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PURCHASED IN 2022
Renewable energy is already playing a major role in reducing mobile operators' emissions, accounting for a third of reductions between 2021 and 2022. Operators disclosing to CDP purchased 50 TWh of renewable electricity in 2022 - one-third of their purchased electricity, up from 14% in 2019. Without these renewable energy purchases, operational carbon emissions are estimated to have been 15 million tonnes higher in 2022.
15
MOBILE OPERATORS
SIGNED UP TO NEW CIRCULARITY TARGETS
Increasing the circularity of mobile phones and network equipment is critical to reducing value chain emissions. In June 2023 the GSMA announced two new circularity targets to reduce the environmental impact of mobile phones by boosting their circularity through reuse, repair, and recycling. As of January 2024, 15 operators have signed up to the new targets, representing a billion mobile connections.
BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES
ENERGY EFFICIENCY RENEWABLE ENERGY CIRCULARITY
Achieving the industry's net zero goal requires concerted action from operators and suppliers, supported by policies and investment from governments. For operators and suppliers, the biggest opportunities are in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and circularity. Governments should play a key enabling role across these areas by implementing strong climate policies and ensuring energy markets and regulations encourage investment in renewable energy and grids.
Mobile Net Zero 2024 State of the Industry on Climate Action report
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