Ericsson (
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The companies will jointly encourage the smart use of telecom solutions across industries by promoting climate-smart telecom solutions, and introduce the concept of being "climate-positive" to companies in the ICT sector.
In addition, the companies will together design a methodology for calculating CO2 savings from emission avoidance and integrate low-carbon telecommunication solutions in climate strategies for cities. They will also provide a support platform for partnerships that promote a low-carbon economy.
It will become imperative for the companies to reduce CO2 emissions by 2050, notes Elaine Weidman, vice president, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson. The company recognizes this challenge and will do its bit by using telecommunications to foster a more carbon-lean society.
Weidman said that Ericsson hopes to see ICT and telecom on the agenda for the global climate negotiations in Copenhagen later this year and sees these two as a viable means of helping policy makers and governments reduce carbon emission in the planet.
“The opportunities for broadband to dematerialize and streamline the economy are almost unlimited.”
Ericsson notes that the ICT industry is responsible for only 2 percent of global CO2 emissions. But they are confident that both partners can help reduce more than 15 percent of the remaining 98 percent emitted by non-ICT industries and the public. Both the Swedish companies will encourage other sectors, such as transport, buildings and energy, to better utilize ICT infrastructure and reduce overall CO2 emissions.
Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Anuradha’s article, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Stefania Viscusi