The climate crisis is now almost universally acknowledged as the defining issue of our times. We believe that communications technology, and specifically 5G wireless networking, has an important supporting role to play.
Reducing CO2 emissions with 5G
Key findings
More connectivity, lower carbon future
1. Digitization and connectivity will directly enable the transition to a greener, lower carbon future and play a role in helping to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Research shows that by 2030, connectivity could help reduce EU emissions by approximately 550MtCO2e. That’s equivalent to 15 percent of the EU’s total emissions in 2017.
The transformative role of 5G
2. Ericsson’s new modelling also suggests that by 2030, a further 55–170MtCO2e of emissions savings per annum would be possible, but only through the implementation of 5G technology.
That’s the equivalent of taking one in seven of the EU’s cars off the road.
Faster roll-out required
3. The roll-out of 5G needs to be accelerated. Currently, only 15 percent of the world’s population is covered by 5G, and this is forecast to rise to only 75 percent by 2027, a mere 3 years off ambitious global 2030 emissions reductions targets. At this pace, we will miss the chance to fully utilize 5G’s potential to combat climate change.
Government investment encouraged
4. Governments can help to accelerate the roll-out of 5G by investing in connectivity and 5G to help achieve the shared goals of a transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and a more sustainable economy.
