Ericsson at COP 29

Background

COP 29 refers to the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties, which is a meeting of global leaders organized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is a platform for climate negotiations aimed at making progress on the goals set by the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. 

Last year at COP 28 marked the conclusion of the first global stocktake that aimed to summarize the world’s efforts to address climate change under the Paris Agreement. Unfortunately, progress is too slow across all areas of climate action, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to strengthening resilience to a changing climate and obtaining financial and technological support for vulnerable nations. The stocktake recognizes the science indicating that global greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut by 43% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Some highlights of the COP 28 outcome included an agreement to transition away from fossil fuels, triple renewable power, and double energy efficiency by 2030.

Ericsson's climate action

Ericsson has supported the Paris Agreement and its 1.5°C ambition from the start. From setting our 1.5°C aligned Science-Based Targets in 2018 to the point where we met and surpassed them. In 2021, we set our Net Zero by 2040 value chain climate target and got this verified through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Here we commit to reducing emissions across the company value chain by 90% by the end of 2040 from 2020 levels. The company is also committed, with this target, to neutralizing the remaining 10% with approved carbon removals. The SBTi climate targets also include halving value chain emissions and reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2030.

However, the action does not stop there. With digital solutions, we can help create a world of limitless connectivity, where mobile technology opens new possibilities to pioneer a sustainable future.

Industrial digitalization, enabled in part by 5G and other disruptive technologies such as AI, IoT, XR, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and more, serves as the bedrock of ongoing sectoral transformation and, in doing so, can make a decisive impact in mediating the shift towards more efficient, low-carbon industrial operations, as well as more sustainable consumption.

The digitalization of industries has the potential to reduce emissions by up to 20% in other sectors by 2030. It is already proving today that it can have a transformative impact in decarbonizing industries by creating process and energy efficiencies, enhancing automation and autonomous operations, and enabling the transition to renewable energy sources. By working together, a better world is within our reach.

Ericsson Malaysia at COP 29

Ericsson participated in COP 29 with a virtual keynote speech delivered by Supriya Prasannan, Senior Group Legal Counsel and Project Lead, Connected Mangroves, at Ericsson Malysia, as part of the Parallel Program organized by Climate Governance Malaysia. This initiative aims to bolster Malaysia's presence at the COP 29 event.
 
Supriya's presentation focused on "Empowered Communities as the Guardians of the Sustainability Ecosystem." She highlighted the impact of our Connected Mangroves project in Malaysia, which leverages community involvement, mobile connectivity, and IoT technology to rejuvenate mangrove forests in the river community of Kampong Dato Hormat in Sabak Bernam, Malaysia. 
 
Since the project's inception, with the collaboration of Ericsson Malaysia volunteers, customers, NGO partners, and local community members, the area has been protected from flooding twice. The revitalized ecosystem has also enhanced local livelihoods through fishing and provided protection against animal intrusion.
 
To learn more about the Connected Mangroves project, please watch this video created by the BBC.