Introduction
Five years ago, the Board of the GSMA set an ambition for the mobile sector to be net zero by 2050. By 2021, more than 20% of the telecommunications sector committed to this target, earning recognition from the United Nations as a breakthrough sector in climate action. Since then, few industries have matched the mobile sector’s dedication to addressing climate change. This success is no accident, and today we share the essential ingredients behind this impressive transformation.
A recipe for success in the mobile industry
This transformation involves a comprehensive strategy: setting science-based targets, disclosure, enhancing energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy, improving circularity, addressing risk and adaptation and addressing Scope 3 emissions.
As of today, 70 operators, representing almost half of global mobile connections, have aligned their voluntary targets to limiting global heating to 1.5C. Major players like AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Singtel, Telia and Vodafone are leading the charge.
This year’s Mobile Net Zero report highlights an encouraging trend: operational emissions (Scope 1 and 2) have started to decline. This has been led by a 50% reduction in Europe between 2019-22 and a reduction of at least 20% across North America, LATAM and MENA in the same period, thanks to strong progress on energy efficiency and the increased use of renewables.
The problem, however, is striking the right balance where all the ingredients are working in harmony to create an industry that is transitioning in sync, towards net zero. Thankfully, operators don’t need to start from scratch. Like top chefs taking inspiration from each other, and copying the best techniques from different cuisines, mobile network operators from around the world can learn from each other.
The secret ingredient: The GSMA Climate Action Taskforce
One of the driving forces behind the sector’s progress is the GSMA Climate Action Taskforce. Established in 2019, the taskforce brings together mobile network operators covering more than 150 countries to accelerate climate action. It is the industry’s most important, but least well-known ingredient for driving climate action.
Through collaboration, the taskforce promotes climate leadership by aligning the industry on environmental frameworks and guidance, advocates for climate friendly policy and regulatory environments, shares best practices, and develops research on climate mitigation and adaptation.
In Autumn 2023, the taskforce reached a significant milestone. With the addition of Telkomsel, Telecom Argentina and Telecom Egypt, the membership of the taskforce increased to 74 mobile operators, representing over 80% of global mobile connections. This broad representation means actions agreed by the group can have far-reaching consequences across the industry, which is why it is recognised by high-level global climate initiatives like Race to Zero as a ‘key enabler’.
Tessa Ferry, Race to Zero Lead, Climate Champions Team
“Race to Zero congratulates the Climate Action Taskforce’s latest exciting milestone, mobilising operators from the majority of global mobile connections. Collaborative coalitions like this are key enablers for the net zero transition and is what we champion at the Race to Zero. We look forward to continuing to strengthen these relationships with GSMA, our Accelerator, and others throughout the industry.”
Collaboration in action
The taskforce’s recent milestone came hot on the heels of the inaugural GSMA Climate Action Forum, held during London Climate Action Week in June. For the first time, members of the taskforce met face-to-face after years of virtual discussions.
The two-day forum featured keynotes and case studies focused on best practices for embedding climate action into organisations, with the aim to bring the telecoms industry closer to realising its climate ambition.
While there is optimism regarding the industry’s ability to meet its 2030 and 2050 goals, significant challenges remain.
Can too many cooks spoil the broth?
One tricky area is on reducing the emissions generated through the global supply chains of mobile network operators, otherwise known as Scope 3 emissions. An example would be the manufacturing of network equipment and mobile devices. These currently reflect about 75% of the mobile industry’s emissions profile, but because they are outside the direct control of operators, they can be difficult to reduce.
In addition, numerous mobile network operators have a presence in more than one market, often more than one continent, selling different products to different customers, with vastly different regulatory and policy contexts. Challenges with data collection from suppliers, validity of data, supplier engagement and being able to evidence Scope 3 emissions reductions make for a complex problem.
Without common objectives, the right forum for discussion and a methodical approach to engagement, yes too many cooks can spoil the broth. To confront this challenge, the GSMA collaborated with operators across the Climate Action Taskforce, as well as with the Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to develop unified guidelines for assessing and reporting Scope 3 emissions – Scope 3 Telecommunications Guidance.
Harmonising methods for telecommunication operators to assess and report their Scope 3 GHG emissions, the guidance increased the coverage of reporting, and transparency to bring Scope 3 into the light. The next step will be for the taskforce to decide which Scope 3 challenge they want to tackle next, replicating the success of the guidance, and improving their collective knowledge.
Partnering on research
The taskforce’s work extends far beyond Scope 3. In regions like the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), Asia Pacific (APAC), and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the focus remains on reducing operational emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy use. For example, in SSA, regional operators and governments have provided valuable input on energy-related challenges. This collaboration culminated in a report, the Energy Challenges for Mobile Networks in Sub-Saharan Africa, outlining near-term solutions and long-term structural changes needed to enable green energy access for mobile networks.
Since publishing the report at MWC Kigali 2023, the GSMA has been working with the six largest operator groups in Africa and other key stakeholders to advance green energy for mobile networks across the region. As part of this effort, we have collectively identified four priority ‘lighthouse’ countries in which we will drive concrete industry action to scale renewable energy solutions for mobile operator infrastructure, and share learnings, blueprints, and replicable models with operators across the continent.
Food for thought – what is next for net zero?
Discussions at the GSMA Climate Action Forum underscored the growing consensus: operators are ready to shift from setting climate targets to taking concrete actions. As a sector that has already shown leadership, the mobile industry now has an opportunity to accelerate its pace, especially as the critical 2030 deadline approaches.
There is a clear appetite for change. While individual operators can make significant progress, the Climate Action Taskforce has proven to be a powerful platform for collaboration, risk-sharing, and knowledge exchange. This collective effort will be crucial in guiding the industry through the next phase of the net zero transition.