The Chinese mobile operation industry recently reduced their operational emissions for the first time in 2024. However the volume of mobile data traffic has nearly quadrupled since 2019.
As a whole the industry has begun taking actions to improve its energy efficiency and increased the use of renewables.
Before the decline last year, previous analyses found regular annual increases in emissions in China, which rose 7 per cent between 2019 and 2023.
Energy consumption grew 30 per cent since 2019 as data consumption soared with the nationwide rollout of 5G services, with the nation ending 2024 with just over 1 billion 5G connections.
Steven Moore, head of climate action at the GSMA, stated the opportunity in China is enormous, as operators can propel the industry forward in its efforts towards net zero. “A lot more needs to be done, and it is encouraging to see the mobile industry in Greater China making progress in this way”, he noted. “However, this first decrease is only realised if it goes further next year. We must double down and ensure we are doing everything we can as a global industry to halve emissions by 2030”.
The Mobile Net Zero: Greater China report, released at the event, noted the drop in emissions comes as a growing number of mobile operators in the region are setting voluntary climate targets.
Four operators in Asia Pacific have validated near-term science-based targets, while three have validated net zero targets. Several key suppliers also have committed to science-based targets and 2050 net zero targets.
The annual Mobile Net Zero report found the mobile industry trimmed operational emissions by 8 per cent between 2019 and 2023 despite surging demand.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Stock Image
