Pioneering a sustainable future
Ericsson is creating a world of limitless connectivity, where mobile technology opens new possibilities to pioneer a sustainable future. With global collaboration and digital innovation, carbon emissions can be reduced by 15% by 2030. With 5G we can do even more. By working together, a better world is within our reach.
Limitless connectivity. Unlimited possibilities.
Ericsson's Net Zero journey
How can technology be used to mitigate climate change, restore biodiversity, and protect people from natural disaster like flooding?
Our Connected Mangroves project is a powerful example proving that ICT technologies can effectively help reforestation efforts. At Ericsson, we're use our technologies to help take climate action, and we will continue to develop exponential solutions for a sustainable future.
Watch the video to know more.
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Urgent change is needed now
The need to address the climate crisis is well established. Adding to an already detailed body of climate research, the 2021 IPCC Report from the UN makes clear the critical need for immediate and drastic climate action, and highlights the indisputable link between climate change and human activity.
The science is clear – to minimize the damage and avoid reaching an irreversible tipping point, we need to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The 2021 UN IPCC Report reiterates that collectively, we need to halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reach net zero before 2050. But even with the reductions achieved in 2020 due to the pandemic (the most since World War II) the world is forecast to miss its annual targets.
It is evident that we need transformational changes to address the climate crisis - a transformation that will rely on technology, innovation, and cross-industry collaboration.
The role of digitalization in climate action
Working within the technology sector, we have the chance to use our specialist expertise to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, the ICT sector has the unique potential to enable other industrial sectors to move towards a low-carbon economy – a move that is central to meeting Goal 13, which focusses on combatting climate change and its impacts.
As part of our commitment towards environmental sustainability, Ericsson was a lead partner in the development of the Exponential Climate Action Roadmap that was launched at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2018. The Roadmap shows that there are 36 existing solutions across sectors that can be scaled globally to help halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
In addition, research from the roadmap highlights that ICT solutions can reduce global carbon emissions by up to 15% by 2030. Digital technologies and the digitalization of industrial processes will be key to enabling this change. And with 5G underpinning the digitalization of industries and future competitiveness of business, mobile technology has a fundamental role to play.
Cellular connectivity is a crucial enabler
Technologies such as 5G, AI and IoT are being utilized today as essential drivers of decarbonization. But the real change will start to happen when enterprises switch to cellular connectivity.
Here are just some examples of how cellular connectivity will accelerate sustainable development.
Sustainability is central to our purpose
At Ericsson, we have the expertise and the commitment to make a positive impact. Sustainability is central to our purpose as a company and is embedded across our value chain. Our approach is holistic, covering responsible business, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion.
Our approach to environmental sustainability
Addressing climate change is a core component of our sustainability strategy. We leverage a circular economy approach in everything we do; and work to reduce environmental impacts and emissions from our operations, our portfolio and through the solutions we deliver across society more broadly.
Climate action advocates
For over two decades we’ve been advocates for climate action. We carry out peer-reviewed research, both alone and in collaboration with research partners from academia and business, on the environmental, social and economic effects of the ICT sector. We were also one of the first companies to implement life-cycle assessment methodology as an environmental strategy tool, leveraging data from our own operations, as well as our customers’ networks and the wider ICT ecosystem. We assess annually our carbon footprint and have set targets for its reduction that are approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative.
With our longstanding commitment, Ericsson has been a pioneer in the sustainability space
Global collaboration is key
Technologies such as 5G, IoT and AI are opening a wealth of new opportunities by accelerating the speed of digitalization across multiple industries. With these new opportunities and the rapid pace of innovation, we believe there is an opportunity to achieve the 2030 milestone of halving emissions ahead of time. But to do so will need a concerted, collective effort from a wide range of parties – from industries and investors to governments and academia.
The battle against climate change can’t be fought alone. It’s only through the use technology and innovation across all sectors of society, along with the right policy mix and concrete climate action, that we’ll realize the change needed to reach a 1.5°C future. Ericsson is committed to working together with business, governments, and other organizations to tackle the climate challenge.
