T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T are facing increasing pressure – and not from one another this time. According to the latest Mobile Net Zero report by GSMA, the mobile sector is starting to make significant strides toward sustainability.
However, to stay on track for net-zero emissions by 2050, drastic cuts in emissions are needed.
Between 2019 and 2023, the mobile industry managed to reduce operational emissions by 8%, even with a 9% growth in mobile connections and a 4x surge in data usage. This is a promising start, especially when compared to the global emissions rise of 4% over the same period. But to meet the 2050 net-zero goal, the pace of reduction must more than double. Emissions need to fall by 7.5% per year until 2030, and so far, we’re nowhere near that target.
Some quick highlights from the GSMA report:
- 2024 is off to a solid start with an estimated 4.5% reduction in emissions.
- In 2023, 37% of the electricity used by mobile operators came from renewable sources, up from 13% in 2019.
- 81 operators, representing nearly half of the world’s mobile connections, have committed to science-based climate targets.
- Operational emissions dropped significantly across most regions: Europe saw a 56% reduction, North America reduced emissions by 44%, and Latin America achieved a 36% decrease.
On the other hand, Greater China saw an 8% rise in emissions during this period, but early 2024 data indicates a 4% drop. If this trend continues, it could be a game-changer globally, especially since China dominates the global smartphone market.
Despite these gains, the mobile industry still faces significant challenges. A large portion of emissions comes from power consumption, with operators like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T consuming 290 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2023 – about 1% of global energy use. The real problem, however, lies in Scope 3 emissions, including phone manufacturing and supply chains, which account for over two-thirds of the industry’s total carbon footprint and remain difficult to track.
In good news, demand for greener tech is growing. Nearly 90% of consumers care about phone repairability and longevity, and almost half would consider buying a refurbished phone. Refurbished phones generate up to 90% fewer emissions, and the second-hand phone market is booming, projected to reach $150 billion by 2027.
So, why should we care about this? It’s simple: the mobile networks we rely on – including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon – are crucial players in this global sustainability effort. Their commitments to reducing emissions will directly impact the future of our planet. And, as sustainability becomes an increasingly competitive factor, it’s essential for consumers to stay informed about each company’s actions.
T-Mobile has been vocal about its green goals, pledging to achieve net-zero emissions by 2023. In an innovative move, the company even announced plans to turn old phones into Wi-Fi routers to reduce e-waste. Verizon has committed to the same net-zero target by 2050 and recently expanded its partnership with Invenergy, securing 640 megawatts of solar power across four U.S. states. But there’s more to it than just cutting carbon emissions. There’s a growing focus on “energy justice,” ensuring that these green transitions also benefit underserved communities. Sustainability isn’t just a tech issue – it’s a social issue, too.
The mobile industry’s shift toward sustainability is exciting, especially since it’s long been criticized for its wastefulness. The reductions in emissions, even as data usage grows, suggest that significant behind-the-scenes innovation is happening. But the real challenge lies ahead. The GSMA report emphasizes that we must drastically speed up emissions cuts and tackle the complex issue of Scope 3 emissions. It’s not just about adding more solar panels – it’s about rethinking the entire lifecycle of our phones, from production to disposal.
For consumers, this means paying closer attention to which brands and carriers are genuinely committed to sustainability. Would I choose a phone or plan based on its environmental impact? If the performance and price are right, absolutely. Sustainability should be a major factor in the decision-making process.