GSMA: Mobile Industry Cuts Emissions 8% Amid 5G Growth
The mobile industry is demonstrating that economic growth and environmental responsibility can coexist. According to the GSMA’s fifth annual Mobile Net Zero report, operational emissions across the mobile sector fell by 8% between 2019 and 2023. Over the same period, mobile connections grew by 9% and data traffic quadrupled, signalling that the sector has successfully begun decoupling emissions from its service growth.
In contrast to the broader global trend, where emissions have risen by 4% since 2019, mobile operators are making visible progress in reducing their environmental footprint.
However, the GSMA warns that to achieve net zero by 2050, the industry must double its current pace of emissions reduction. Emissions need to fall by 7.5% annually until 2030, more than twice the average annual rate achieved to date.
Regional leaders drive momentum
The report highlights notable regional disparities in decarbonisation progress. Europe leads the way with a 56% reduction in operational emissions between 2019 and 2023, followed by North America (44%) and Latin America (36%). Encouragingly, China, the world’s largest mobile market with over one billion 5G connections, has demonstrated significant momentum.
The new analysis, released ahead of MWC25 Shanghai, reveals that China’s operational emissions declined by 4% in 2024, marking its first year-on-year decrease after years of rising output. The decline coincides with a fourfold increase in renewable energy adoption among Chinese operators.
Steven Moore, Head of Climate Action at the GSMA, emphasised the significance of these findings, stating: “Our findings show the mobile industry isn’t greenwashing or greenwishing – it’s green acting. Emissions are trending in the right direction, but the pace of progress must now double.
“This is a global effort and it’s encouraging to see momentum building across every region – from Latin America to Europe and especially to China. But to sustain this progress, we need broader support: better access to renewables, more policy certainty and stronger collaboration across the ecosystem.”
Technology and policy drive decarbonisation
Multiple strategies have driven the acceleration in emissions reduction. Mobile operators are modernising networks to improve energy efficiency, retiring legacy infrastructure, transitioning away from diesel-powered systems and integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and advanced battery storage.
Operators are achieving deeper decarbonisation in markets where supportive government policies have eased access to renewable energy.
Nevertheless, the GSMA cautions that broader policy reform and stronger investment frameworks are essential to extend these benefits to more markets, particularly in regions where renewable infrastructure remains underdeveloped.
Industry-wide collaboration gains traction
Today, 81 mobile operators, representing nearly half of global mobile connections, have committed to science-based climate targets. The GSMA Climate Action Taskforce now includes 77 operators, covering 80% of global mobile connections.
Preliminary data for 2024 suggests a further 4.5% reduction in operational emissions, indicating accelerating momentum, though still falling short of the pace needed.
The GSMA’s Climate Action Programme, which supports operators in setting measurable decarbonisation targets and developing credible transition plans, has been a major driver of industry collaboration.
Steven explained: “Supply chain emissions, which make up most of our industry’s footprint, must also be addressed – and climate transition plans will play an increasingly important role in navigating what comes next.”
Scope 3 emissions and the growing focus on circularity
While progress on operational (Scope 1 and 2) emissions is well documented, Scope 3 emissions, which account for more than two-thirds of the industry’s total carbon footprint, present a more complex challenge.
The indirect emissions, mainly from supply chains, manufacturing and customer device usage, are now a growing area of focus for climate-conscious operators.
In parallel, circular economy principles are gaining traction within the industry. Consumers are intensely interested in sustainability, with around 90% of surveyed mobile users valuing repairable and long-lasting devices.
Nearly half are considering purchasing refurbished handsets for their next device, a trend that saves money and delivers substantial environmental benefits. Refurbished smartphones generate 80-90% fewer emissions than newly manufactured devices.
The second-hand device market is expected to reach a value of US$150bn by 2027 as operators, manufacturers and service providers increasingly promote circular models to reduce environmental impact while meeting consumer demand.
The road ahead: collaboration essential to achieve net zero
Looking forward, the GSMA highlights the importance of sustained cross-industry collaboration, comprehensive climate transition plans and policy reform to maintain progress towards net zero by 2050.
The mobile industry faces a pivotal period with rising demand for data services, global 5G expansion and growing supply chain complexities.
The GSMA's message is clear: the mobile sector has proven its capacity for meaningful action. To secure the industry’s role as a global climate leader, the next phase will require greater speed, stronger partnerships and a fully integrated approach to operational and supply chain decarbonisation.
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