2050
The industry to reach net zero carbon emissions within the year.
How does the Paris agreement affect companies?
The environmental onus has roots in various aspects. As most consumers shift to millennials and Gen-Z, they are holding more and more companies accountable for sustainability initiatives. More than one survey shows that these consumer sets prioritise businesses that actively support sustainability.
Telcos and the Paris Agreement
Moreover, in 2020, the ICT sector took a significant leap towards this environmental sustainability by launching the first-ever Science-Based Target (SBT). According to a United Nations report, its goal encompasses “emissions reductions trajectories for mobile, fixed, and data centre operators.” The plan aligns with the Paris Agreement, which was adopted in 2015 and enforced in 2016 to decrease global warming to 1.5°C by 2030. The treaty was signed by 193 parties, including 192 countries plus the European Union.
The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA or GSM Association) introduced the ICT initiative to emphasise its commitment to the UN’s sustainability goals. It also sets the motion for the industry to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The organisation has even launched a toolkit to guide telecom companies on how to achieve these targets.
As per the GSMA, here are just some of the steps the telecom industries can make the shift:
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Reduce emissions by at least 45% between 2020 to 2030
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Switch to renewable and low-carbon electricity
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Extend energy-efficient solutions across industries
Here are some companies that have committed themselves to the Paris Agreement:
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Telefonica
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Sonnedix
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Teleperformance
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SecuriGroup
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Pollination
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Optimus Ride
5G and the Environment
Every few years, a breakthrough happens in the telecommunications industry. First, the 1G enabled people to call others wirelessly. The 2G in the 1990s made it possible to send text messages. 3G allowed for video calls and GPS. And so on. The latest of these advancements is 5G, which began rolling out in 2019.
Is 5G bad for sustainability?
According to a paper by the University of Washington, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact environmental impact of the 5G rollout. However, because the entire premise of the technology is to allow the consumer more efficiency, you can expect massive energy consumption – which is one of the primary contributors to climate change.
As the push for connectivity grows, the article also anticipates demand for more devices. It could mean manufacturing and maintenance waste on top of usage. Most metals in these gadgets are reportedly non-recyclable.
However, a Columbia University report says otherwise. While the technology does spur ecological concerns, 5G’s efficiency and “intelligence” can also help protect the environment.
5G technology with IoT will be able to increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable more use of renewable energy. It can help reduce air and water pollution, minimise water and food waste, and protect wildlife. It can also expand our understanding of and hence improve decision-making about the weather, agriculture, pests, industry, waste reduction and much more.
To emphasise their argument, Columbia lists 5G’s potential environmental benefits:
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5G requires less energy to run than previous generations.
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5G, data, and IoT can help program and streamline processes via data.
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5G can power smart technology that can prevent environmental hazards.
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5G can help disseminate information on environmental practices.
