On Thursday, researchers from the University of Zurich and Federal Materials Testing Lab (Empa) presented the results of their study to the parliament.
They found that the expansion of the 5G network in Switzerland up to 2030 would release an additional 0.18 mega tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. In return, new applications made possible by 5G have the potential to lower CO2 emissions by 2.1 mega tonnes, mainly through boosting energy efficiency.
“The 5G network in 2030 should cause around 85% fewer emissions per unit of data transported than today’s mobile phone network. In addition, there are indirect savings from new uses, such as smart grids or new applications in agriculture with more targeted use of fertilisers and pesticides,” said an official statement released on Thursday.
The study’s authors also point out that because 5G supports faster and larger transmission of data, it can better support flexible or remote working arrangements, which in turn reduces emissions generated by commuter traffic. The researchers did not include the potential of 5G-enabled prospects like autonomous vehicles, tele-surgery or intelligent buildings, because they are unlikely to become mainstream by 2030.
The study was commissioned by the swisscleantech business association and mobile operator Swisscom.
Opposition movement
In Switzerland, telecoms operators are already rolling out the new 5G high-speed mobile technology. However, there has been certain resistance, especially in some French-speaking regions. In the face of public pressure, some Swiss cantons have introduced a moratorium on the construction of new 5G antennae. Opponents of the technology have also launched campaigns to force a nationwide vote on the issue. They have until the middle of next year to collect the 100,000 signatures needed.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Abroad
Thousands of emigrants’ descendants in Argentina demand Swiss citizenship
Swiss man who died in Iranian prison had photographed military site
This content was published on
The Iranian judiciary said that the Swiss man who died in an Iranian prison on January 9 had been detained for photographing a restricted military site.
Swiss researchers patent new device for avalanche detection
This content was published on
The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research said it has granted a group of Swiss researchers a patent for a device to enhance avalanche warnings.
Berset discusses ECHR climate ruling implementation at Davos
This content was published on
Switzerland has submitted a report on the court's ruling in Strasbourg. Berset told Justice Minister Beat Jans that the Council of Europe is reviewing it.
This content was published on
A 27-year-old ski tourer has died in the hospital in Sion, in southwestern Switzerland, after being caught in an avalanche on Saturday.
Swiss health minister criticises Trump’s ‘rash’ WHO exit
This content was published on
Switzerland has expressed “deep” regret over Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO, Swiss Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider said in Davos.
This content was published on
Job vacancies in Switzerland fell by 10% in 2024, marking the first negative annual balance since the Covid-19 pandemic, says Adecco.
Swiss president meets Zelensky in Davos amid tensions with Europe
This content was published on
Swiss President met Zelensky at Davos. As Zelensky thanked Switzerland, Keller-Sutter said it's too early to discuss a new summit, awaiting Trump's actions.
Basel diocese files five claims of sexual abuse in Swiss Catholic Church
This content was published on
The diocese of Basel has received 141 reports of sexual abuse since the publication of a sweeping study on violations in the Catholic Church by the University of Zurich in 2023.
Swiss president calls for open markets and stable institutions in WEF speech
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter was among speakers at the WEF in Davos to make the case for fair competition, a day after Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States.
Swiss film in competition at the 75th Berlinale has a shot at Golden Bear
This content was published on
The feature film La Cache by Lausanne screenwriter and director Lionel Baier has a chance of winning the Silver or Golden Bear at the 75th Berlinale, festival organisers said on Tuesday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Initiative aims to overcome Swiss public’s 5G technology misconceptions
This content was published on
Supporters of 5G mobile technology have launched a special platform to engage in discussions with the general public about their concerns.
This content was published on
As authorities, telecoms companies, and experts struggle to communicate the dangers and merits of 5G, Swiss voters might end up having the last word – even if the issue might seem more technical than politcal.
This content was published on
A much-awaited expert report on 5G has proven inconclusive, putting the ball back in the court of the federal government and cantons.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.