Climate change is calling you. We have so many missed calls.
The power of networks
Strong networks are required when working to prevent the worst effects of climate change or when bracing for the impact it can have on communities. To mitigate climate change, the private and public sectors must work collaboratively to provide technological innovation and set strong climate policies. On an individual level, resilient communities help people prepare, cope, and recover from the effects of climate change.
Whereas social networks play a key role in helping us adapt to a world facing increasing changes to its natural environment, technological networks are contributing to the climate crisis.
Changing how we communicate
In 1876, an invention would forever change the way humans communicate. Alexander Graham Bell invented a revolutionary product we now consider to be ordinary, the telephone.
Fast-forward to 2021 and more than 5 billion individuals have access to a mobile phone. As access increased, we have become addicted to Bell’s invention. Nearly 50% of individuals in the United States spend more than 5 hours a day on their phones, adding up to 76 days per year!
Whether it be for healthcare, education, or even relationships, telecommunications have greatly benefited society. In the context of climate change, it’s never been easier to voice the threat our planet is facing as well as to gather individuals, communities, and companies to take climate action.
Given the share of our lives that we spend benefitting from telecommunication services, it’s only natural that we investigate the environmental impact of the industry.
The environmental cost of mobile networks
The telecommunication industry loves energy, consuming between 2-3% of global energy production. It is estimated that the Information & Communication Technology industry emits 730 metric tonnes of CO2e annually, amounting to 1.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To put things into perspective, the aviation industry is responsible for 2.4% of our global carbon footprint.
Within the telecommunication sector, there are mainly four sources of greenhouse gas emissions:
- Devices used by users requiring manufacturing, power for usage, and an end-of-life treatment
- Access networks requiring maintenance and construction of physical and digital infrastructure
- Data centres storing content created by users
- Operational and supply chain activities of telecommunication businesses
There are many ways for telecommunication companies to reduce their carbon footprint, from procuring more renewable energy to screening their suppliers for a wide range of ESG criteria, including the carbon emissions associated with the goods and services they provide.
An honest solution
Let’s turn to what we can as individuals. We shouldn’t underestimate our power when favouring companies with more sustainable practices. When it comes to choosing your mobile network provider, Honest Mobile is a climate-friendly alternative.
They are on a mission to disrupt how the mobile network industry approaches its environmental responsibility and performance. Founded in 2019 by Andy Aitken and Joshua Mihill, they have already managed to become a B-Corporation, certifying that the business has the highest levels of social and environmental performance and transparency.
In 2020, they also became carbon-neutral, offsetting the emissions they emit by investing in projects such as afforestation and Direct Air Capture. Additionally, Honest Mobile donate 1% of their revenues to reforestation projects. On its journey to carbon neutrality, the company first needed to calculate its scope 1, 2, & 3 emissions. These are the greenhouse gas emissions arising from both their operations and supply chain.
Beyond caring for the planet, the company is clearly putting the interest of its employees and users at the forefront of how it operates. In an industry known for overcharging its customers and creating unexpected costs, Honest Mobile have rewarded their customers for their loyalty, fidelity which can earn them up to a 30% discount on their monthly phone bill. Additionally, the company is certified for paying a living wage to its employees.
The industry landscape analysis speaks for itself (although bear in mind that it may be biased as it is created by Honest Mobile). Beyond being one of the cheaper alternatives on the market and have far higher Trustpilot ratings than their competitors, Honest Mobile are outperforming their peers when it comes to environmental sustainability. Switching to Honest Mobile looks like a no brainer. A solution that is better for the end consumers and for the planet.
Achieving carbon-neutrality is only the first step of the environmental sustainability journey of a business and it is laudable that Honest Mobile has reached that stage in two years of existence. I look forward to following their journey and I hope the company will set carbon reduction targets as they scale their operations. In the meantime, if you’re tired of unreliable and expensive mobile service, why not check out their offering? You could be saving money on your monthly bill while positively contributing to the fight against climate change. Sounds like a win-win situation for us users.
