ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the relationship between climate change and radio spectrum management, by analysing all the different dimensions in which spectrum regulation could be directly or indirectly involved. It presents an overview of the ICT industry current energy consumption and carbon emissions and looks at the increase in interest from policymakers to tackle this concerning issue. The chapter examines potential savings that can be obtained from greater 5G use and explores the role of regulators while questioning how self-regulation could minimise the sector’s environmental footprint. It presents some non-conventional examples, such as satellite protection e-waste and 6G, where an alternative approach to frequency management could achieve possible carbon savings. Carbon reduction targets have been set at global, regional and many national levels to tackle climate change. Europe appears to be leading the way in implementation of, and experimentation with, climate policy.
