TY  - JOUR
T1  - Analysis of Carbon Neutrality Initiatives by Telecommunication Operators
AU  - Ryu, Min Ho 
AU  - Kim, Sohui 
JO  - The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
PY  - 2024
DA  - 2024/1/1
DO  - 10.7840/kics.2024.49.10.1419
KW  - Carbon Neutrality
KW  - Carbon Emission Regulation
KW  - Telecommunication Operators
KW  - Carbon Emission Disclosure
KW  - Carbon Neutrality Initiatives
AB  - Given the rapid escalation of climate change globally, major countries are intensifying carbon emission regulations on industries. South Korea is also urging corporate carbon neutrality to maintain global competitiveness. For this reason, telecommunication operators in South Korea are also making various efforts to reduce carbon emissions. However, the annual emissions continue to rise. This study examines carbon neutrality initiatives based on Korea's and international telecommunication operators' disclosure status of carbon emissions. It presents the limitations of achieving carbon neutrality in the telecommunications industry in Korea, highlighting 1) industrial limitations and 2) structural issues in the renewable energy market. In particular, it emphasizes the telecommunications industry's role as a foundational sector in the 4th industrial revolution and its status as a directly and indirectly regulated industry. It also highlights the limitations regarding the essential supply of renewable energy for achieving carbon neutrality. This research suggests the necessity of gradually enhancing carbon regulations to address these challenges. Additionally, it focuses on the positive effects of telecommunications operators contributing to carbon reduction beyond the value chain of the telecommunications industry, proposing a regulatory direction that a broader perspective is necessary for the objective evaluation of corporate carbon neutrality and carbon emission regulations in the future.