The GSMA, which represents almost 800 mobile operators in 219 countries, has launched a Green Manifesto for the mobile industry. It sets out how the mobile industry intends to lower its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions per mobile phone user.
The aims include:
Reducing the total global greenhouse gas emissions per connection by 40% by 2020 compared to 2009. The intended result is 'carbon neutral' growth; as the number of mobile connections rises, total emissions will remain constant at 245 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Working with manufacturers to reduce the energy consumed by a typical mobile handset by 40% by 2020.
Working with network equipment vendors to ensure the lifecycle emissions of network equipment components are reduced by 40% by 2020.
The GSMA says mobile technology can also make a major contribution in the fight against global warming by lowering emissions in other industry sectors. [Press release]