Mobile network operators worldwide are making significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, but greater access to renewable energy – particularly in emerging markets – is required if the industry is to meet its climate targets.
That is the key summary of the GSMA’s new Mobile Net Zero 2026: State of the Industry on Climate Action report which calls on governments around the world to create a policy environment that can support investment in renewables and grid modernisation.
The report, which analyses energy and emissions data from more than 110 mobile operators representing 85% of global mobile connections, shows the industry’s operational emissions fell by 5% in 2024 alone and by 13% between 2019 and 2024. This has been achieved despite mobile connections increasing by 10% and data traffic more than quadrupling over the same period, the GSMA notes.
According to the report, which follows the United Nations’ warning the tech industry must become more sustainable, especially regarding AI, or risk fuelling climate decline, progress must speed up further if the mobile sector is to achieve the 45% emissions reduction required by 2030 under its science-based pathway.
GSMA said renewable energy remains the single biggest driver of emissions reductions. Operators purchased or generated around 70 TWh of renewable electricity in 2024, equivalent to the total renewable electricity generation of Indonesia.
John Giusti, chief regulatory officer at the GSMA, commented: “The mobile industry continues to demonstrate that economic growth, digital connectivity and climate action can go hand in hand.
“Operators are connecting more people, carrying more data and supporting digital economies around the world while still reducing emissions. The progress we are seeing is encouraging, but more needs to be done.”
He added: “Access to renewable energy remains one of the biggest factors determining how quickly operators can decarbonise. Policymakers have a vital role in creating the conditions that enable investment in clean energy infrastructure and accelerate the transition to net zero.”
Key findings from the report
Climate commitments continue to grow: As of June 2026, 81 mobile operators have near-term science-based targets, representing nearly half of global mobile connections and more than two-thirds of industry revenues. Fifty operators have committed to net zero targets, with 46 already validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Operational emissions are falling: The mobile industry’s operational emissions were estimated at 115 million tonnes of CO2e in 2024, representing around 0.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions fell by 5% in 2024, double the average annual reduction achieved over the previous four years.
Renewable energy adoption is accelerating: Operators sourced one-quarter of their electricity from renewable energy in 2024, up from 10% in 2019. European operators had the highest share of renewables, sourcing around 70% of their electricity from renewables, followed by 50% in North America and 45% in Latin America.
Scope 3 emissions remain the biggest challenge: Around three-quarters of the sector’s total carbon footprint sits in the value chain, highlighting the importance of supplier engagement, circular economy initiatives and industry-wide collaboration.
Suppliers are increasingly setting climate targets and reducing emissions, but progress is uneven: More than half of selected cloud and IT service providers, network equipment manufacturers and mobile phone manufacturers have validated near-term targets, while less than a quarter of the largest towercos – the independent businesses that build, own, and manage telecommunications infrastructure – have validated targets.
Tower companies represent a major decarbonisation challenge and opportunity: The world’s 100 largest tower companies operate around four million sites and consumed more than two billion litres of diesel in 2024. The report identifies significant opportunities to reduce emissions through greater use of solar power, batteries and improved energy management.
AI’s energy impact remains uncertain: While AI is driving significant growth in global data centre energy demand, its direct impact on mobile network energy consumption remains limited today. The report highlights the need for continued monitoring as AI adoption expands.
Climate resilience is becoming increasingly important: As extreme weather events become more frequent, operators are increasingly focusing on climate adaptation and resilience to ensure networks remain reliable and operational in a changing climate.
Read about Virgin Media’s sustainability strategy on Green Retail World
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