Why 5G is Crucial in Achieving a More Sustainable Future

July 28, 2021
Brenda Eisenschenk

I am sure you have heard the term “5G” but do you understand it and how will it impact you?

 

Why Are People So Afraid of It? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

5G fears have become mainstream. Have you heard any of these claims?

  • Earlier this year the Belgian government halted a 5G test over radiation concerns?
  • Switzerland is monitoring risks posed by the 5G network.
  • A member of the UK House of Commons warned the parliament of the “unintended consequences” of the 5G upgrade.

If you go digging into the claims behind these fears, you will discover some truly wild conspiracy theories. Some people claim that 5G is in the same wavelengths as weapons. Others say it’s being used by the military to break the enemy’s spirit.

People have argued that the smaller wavelengths used in each new generation of mobile phone infrastructure have never been tested, and therefore we are guinea pigs for this technological experiment.

You will be happy to know that none of those claims are true.

  

5G has the potential to help the world become more environmentally sustainable with technology that can reduce negative environmental impacts.‍

What this means is that these new networks’ high speed and reliability can:

  • Help lower greenhouse gas emissions
  • Better manage electricity
  • Reduce water consumption
  • Contribute to green job growth
    • 5G is expected to create or transform up to 16 million jobs across the U.S. economy.
    • Many of these new jobs will be associated with services and industries — like manufacturing, agriculture and transportation — that will have a positive impact on the environment and reduce pollution.

 

Here’s how:

Transportation could become smarter, safer, greener, and faster with the adoption of 5G.

Many governments are looking at the potential of 5G to lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing traffic jams, improving traffic control, ensuring cars are running efficiently and optimizing public transportation.

Why it’s important: Evidence shows that connecting vehicles to their surroundings — such as to other vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians — could save anywhere from 15-20% in carbon emissions.

  • It also has the potential of reducing the severity of non-impaired accidents by up to 80% and reducing traffic by possibly 25%.

5G is expected to help make smart farms more efficient and sustainable.

Why it’s important: The agriculture industry accounts for approximately 80% of water consumption in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Sensors and monitoring devices paired with 5G help farmers remotely monitor and control their water usage effectively.

  • These technologies ensure that crops are not being over-watered, thereby reducing the farm’s water consumption, improving its crop yields, and increasing efficiencies.

 

Smart factories powered by 5G and IoT have efficiencies built in.

  • 5G can provide manufacturers better visibility, management, and control over their energy consumption.
  • This can help factories reduce carbon emissions.

5G’s sustainable influence can touch many in the value chain, including end users.

  • For example, products like Always On, Always Connected PCs don’t need to be charged as often as regular devices, helping users reduce their energy consumption.
  • 5G fridges could also help reduce a home’s food waste by providing alerts of when food is about to go bad.
  • “5G can help enable a more sustainable future by providing higher speeds and allowing us to do much more than we’re able to do now.

We are always here to help you navigate the murky waters of wireless technology. It is a wonderful invention and will help better us all.

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