Connectivity and Climate Change > Key messages

1. 5G is a technology that will help mitigate climate change, one of the biggest threats to our health, our natural environment and our economic prosperity.
   The Government’s commitment to net zero by 2050 recognises this, and 5G connectivity will underpin UK and global efforts to achieve it. The faster 5G networks get built, the faster they can assist the path to net zero.
2. Policy makers must act now to enable quicker deployment of 5G to make it possible to meet climate action targets quicker.
   To realise our climate ambitions network operators must be able to build their 5G networks more quickly so that we can achieve them sooner – policy makers need to act - planning, tax, and regulatory reform are all necessary.
3. 5G mobile connectivity will facilitate emissions-reducing technologies.
   These technologies interconnect, continuously receiving and / or sending data. The speed, capacity and reliability of 5G connectivity makes it ideally suited for Internet of Things (IoT) devices that require massive data transfers. These devices will underpin efficiencies – and lower emissions – in many sectors.
4. IoT will support emissions reductions across the key sectors of energy (and other utilities), transport, manufacturing and agriculture. While IoT devices can function using many different types of connectivity, the speed and reliability of 5G means more can be done with IoT technology.
   Energy production and energy use will be better monitored and planned. Transport infrastructure will be smarter, meaning cleaner, shorter journeys. Manufacturing production processes will be less wasteful. Agricultural practices will minimise their negative environmental consequences.
5. 5G is also a more efficient technology in its own right.
   Global standards for 5G mean that, in comparison to 4G, it is more efficient and less power will be used to transmit more data. However, the roll-out of 5G will create an upwards pressure on the operator’s energy usage. The UK and global mobile industry recognises this and is committed to greenhouse emissions reductions. More information on these commitments can be found on page 11 of the report.