Global mobile network operators reduced their operational carbon emissions by 13% between 2019 and 2024, even as mobile data traffic more than quadrupled and connections grew by 10%. The GSMA's Mobile Net Zero 2026 report attributes most of the decline to increased renewable energy use, with operators purchasing or generating about 70 terawatt-hours of renewable electricity in 2024. Energy efficiency improvements and electrification of vehicle fleets and buildings accounted for nearly a quarter of the reductions. Operational emissions fell by 5% in 2024 alone, the fastest annual drop in five years. Europe led regional reductions with a 54% cut, followed by North America at 50%. However, sub-Saharan Africa saw direct emissions rise due to continued reliance on diesel generators where grid power is unreliable. The report notes that 73% of the industry's total carbon footprint comes from Scope 3 emissions, meaning supply chains and customer use remain the biggest challenges. The findings show that growth in digital connectivity does not have to come at the expense of higher emissions, but the industry still faces significant work on indirect emissions and regional disparities in energy infrastructure.
