African operators lag as Asia, Euro telcos top green network index

OVER 20 telecommunications operators have been recognised for their transparency efforts on climate change in a new global ranking, with most of the top performers based in Asia and Europe.

For its ‘ A List 2023’ ranking, non- profit organisation, the Carbon Disclosure Project ( CDP) assessed more than 21,000 companies on their environmental disclosure and performance.

CDP identified a total of 22 top- performing telcos that demonstrated “environmental leadership” by disclosing and measuring their climate impact, as well as taking “tangible, measurable actions” to combat climate change. The ‘ A’ score is given to companies that showed “best practice in strategy and action” as recognised by various frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate- Related Financial Disclosures ( TCFD) and the Accountability Framework.

“As well as having high scores in all other levels, these companies will have undertaken actions such as setting science- based targets, creating a climate transition plan, developing water- related risk assessment strategies, or reporting on deforestation impact for all relevant operations, supply chains and commodities,” the CDP explained in regards its scoring criteria.

Breaking down the results for 2023 geographically, two regions in particular, Europe and Asia, boast the highest number of leading telcos in terms of environmental disclosures.

Across Europe, the ‘ A’ score was bestowed upon BT Group, Deutsche Telekom, Elisa, Proximus, Swisscom, Tele2, Telecom Italia, Telefónica, Telekom Austria and Vodafone Group. The top Asia- based telco accolades in CDP’S list went to Chunghwa Telecom, NTT, NTT Data, Reliance Jio, Singtel, SK Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Telstra, Turkcell.

U. S. operator AT& T and Telecom Italia’s South American unit, TIM Brasil, were also recognised as leading telcos in terms of climate change- related disclosures and performance.