Climate change

The 'greenhouse effect' describes the infrared radiation reflected from the Earth that becomes trapped in the upper atmosphere by a blanket of gases. It's a natural phenomenon, which makes the Earth's surface sufficiently warm to sustain life.

However, over the last 200 years the industrialised world has been producing an increasing concentration of the gases that cause this effect, leading to fears of a long-term change in global climate.

Of the so-called 'greenhouse' gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most significant.

Others include methane, nitrogen oxides and chlorofluorocarbons.

The general view is that 'the balance of evidence suggests that there is discernible evidence of human activity influencing global climate'.

Although the scientific evidence is still being assessed, it is widely agreed that - unless urgent action is taken - there could be an increase in the Earth's temperature of 2ºC and an attendant rise of 20cm in global mean sea levels by 2030.

The present UK Government has pledged to lead the fight against global warming through a target reduction in CO2 emissions of 20% by 2010.  Climate change is identified as a strategic issue for O2 and we are working with the Carbon Trust to develop a Carbon Management Strategy and reduce our carbon footprint.

The focus so far is:

• Transport - increased use of technology, green travel plans, management information (fuel types etc).
• Energy audits and benchmarking with industry standards.
• Procurement of renewable energy.
• Using energy-efficiency equipment.
• Carbon offsetting, where appropriate.
• Industrial symbiosis.

We're in this together

In the UK, O2 and a select number of other big companies in the UK have been invited to join hands and be part of the 'We're In This Together campaign', led by the UK Government and the Climate Group.

As part of the campaign, we have launched the O2 Energy Saver option which includes a delayed upgrade option and a SIM-only tariff.

With the delayed upgrade option, customers are incentivised not upgrade at the end of their contract. Customers are offered a choice of either £100 of free credit, or £95 of free credit and a £5 donation to the O2 Energy Saver fund, which O2 matches, bringing the total donation for each delayed upgrade to £10.

If customers choose the SIM-only tariff, O2 will make a £5 donation to the O2 Energy Saver fund for every customer that signs up. 

O2 retail stores are also holding a 'phone amnesty' where customers can hand in unwanted phones. The phones will either be repaired and sold in developing countries abroad or recycled. For every phone received O2 will give £5 to O2 Energy Saver fund. Donations to the O2 Energy Saver fund will be used to help local communities reduce carbon emissions.