5G Could Help Climate Change

5G will play a crucial role in managing climate change risks and pressures, says the head of the Scotland 5G Centre.

17:48 16 November 2020

Julie Snell, the head of Scotland 5G Centre, said that 5G will play a critical role in helping us achieve challenging climate change targets by slowing the depletion of Earth's finite resources. 

 

5G, which is expected to deliver super-fast and reliable broadband connection, will allow more people to work from home and get the products and services they need without leaving the comfort of their own house. This means less travel and minimising our carbon footprint in the process. 

 

Snell said: “As chair of the Scotland 5G Centre, I know that 5G technology and innovation will have a critical role in helping us to achieve challenging climate change targets.

 

“With some 30,000 people expected to arrive in the city of Glasgow, Scotland’s expertise in digital and green technologies will be on show like never before.

 

“The opportunity for our innovators to connect with those planning the direction and effectiveness of the global climate change programme cannot be underestimated. More people may also attend remotely, so good quality digital connectivity will help to make this the cleanest United Nations conference of the parties since its inception in 1994.”

 

One of the most important benefits that 5G can offer is probably in the field of healthcare. In December 2019, NHS Digital has confirmed that 15per cent of 23 million primary care appointments were done online or by phone. 

 

Snell added: “By April 2020, 49% of appointments during the month were by phone or online. And by May many GP practices were reporting that 90% or more of appointments were taking place virtually. And this pace and scale of change is being replicated across many other sectors.”