Wireless technology is shaping our environmental future. The growth of 5G technology across the country not only ensures faster, more reliable service and expanded coverage; it also holds immense potential to protect our environment and continue development of a sustainable future for generations to come. In fact, 5G networks play an important role in reducing the amount of carbon emissions we emit. To put this into perspective, by 2025, 5G technology is expected to have the same effect on lowering carbon emissions as if 72 million cars were removed from the road for an entire year.

So, while there are countless benefits to using 5G in our daily lives, the evolution of wireless is undoubtedly helping the planet in a number of ways.

1. Travel More Efficiently: Historically, transportation is one of the largest contributors to carbon pollution, accounting for nearly 29% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. But getting from point A to point B doesn’t have to feel so wasteful. By playing a part in the development of smart transportation technologies like autonomous driving and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, 5G powers improved traffic flow, making our time spent on the road safer and movement more efficient. Additionally, the widespread adoption of public transportation, ridesharing, and bike-sharing, oftentimes supported by 5G technology, impacts the reduction of these emissions nationwide. Thanks to 5G’s ability to reliably support wireless connectivity from almost anywhere in the country, we can even work remotely, cutting down on pollution caused by commuter travel.
2. Reduce Energy Waste: Powering our lives is essential. Energy grids deliver electricity from power plants to us, keeping the lights on. Currently, the production and consumption of energy result in the second-largest percentage of greenhouse gas emissions. Luckily, 5G technology has the power to make energy grids “smarter,” by providing real-time monitoring and optimized energy distribution. The result is efficient energy use, less waste, and noticeable cost reduction. Real-time monitoring, the use of renewable energy, and remote operations are just a glimpse of how 5G is helping to reduce our carbon energy footprint.
3. Enable Eco-Friendly Food Choices: Our food fuels our bodies, but agricultural inefficiencies account for large amounts greenhouse gas emissions each year. Recently, 5G has made big strides using smart technology developments to increase food production efficiency and affordability. The ability to remotely monitor crop quality via sensors or drones, immediately detect and resolve equipment issues, and wirelessly track the content of food silos, helps reduce food waste, create more attainable choice in nutrition, and feed our communities.

Enjoying the benefits 5G has to offer alone means you are taking part in creating a sustainable future. Want to take it one step further? Other ways you can go green wirelessly include choosing to recycle your old phones and tablets rather than toss them in the trash and choosing to receive bills and make payments electronically. Both decisions reduce the waste of valuable resources and avoid polluting our air and waterways.

While 5G is already playing a critical role in improving our environment, there’s no better time for you to contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow.