Mobile Meetings Series “Go green: mobile solutions for circular economy”

Mobile phones have transformed societies around the world. Connecting everyone and everything to a better future is the common aim shared by every mobile operator across Europe. Connectivity is also a key ingredient for innovation in reducing communities’ environmental footprint and helping people improve their consumption patterns. This Mobile Meeting Series session will focus on the role of mobile industry in working with governments and the international community to build a greener economy by helping communities to reduce energy use and by adopting concrete actions to foster circular economy for mobile phones.

In November 2016, the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech will be a crucial next step for governments looking to operationalize the Paris Climate Change Agreement, that entered into force on 4 November and sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change. While the Agreement gave clear pathways and a final destination in respect to decisive action on climate change, many of the details regarding how to move forward as one global community in that common direction still need to be resolved. Dialogue and decisions in Marrakech hold immense potential to accelerate and amplify the immediate response to the challenge recognized in the Paris Agreement.

The EU has been at the forefront of international efforts towards fighting climate change and It is already taking steps to implement its target to reduce emissions by at least 40% by 2030. In December 2015, the European Commission adopted an ambitious Circular Economy Package to improve waste management practices, stimulate innovation in recycling, limit the use of landfills, and create incentives to change consumer behavior. Taking waste policy further can bring significant benefits: sustainable growth and job creation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, direct savings linked with better waste management practices and a better environment. In a circular economy, the aim is to reduce waste to a minimum and keep precious resources available for repeated reuse.

Mobile industry strives to play a leading role in connecting and giving it contribution to halt climate change. Mobile operators are reducing energy use and adopting more energy efficient practices and connectivity can help make processes smarter and reduce carbon of all industries. In the context, this Mobile Meetings Series breakfast will focus on:

– How can the mobile sector support and stimulate Europe’s transition towards a circular economy?
– How to balance environmental performance and consumer demand for the latest technological innovations?
– How should EU policy makers support public–private partnerships to boost innovation in recycling?

Event Summary