Not long ago, only a few people could afford a cell phone. But today, even a kid who can barely talk knows how to operate it. We are so engrossed in the unique numerous apps that we do not bother thinking about their effect on our lives and environment.
Climate And Mobile Phone Addiction Are Connected
There is no denying that they connect us to the world where everything is advancing in a glimpse of seconds, but have we ever considered the impacts of these wireless phones on the surroundings we live in? My writing aims neither to go in-depth in calculating the carbon footprint of the entire life cycle of mobile phones nor to address e-waste management. Rather, the prime focus is to make people conscious about their contribution to achieving global goals by considering climate action as their key priority.
Recommended: Five Minutes To Midnight: Climate Change Action Fighting The Clock
The Global Carbon Footprint From Mobile Use
According to an estimate of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the number of mobile subscribers in Pakistan was 63.16 million in 2007, and the number escalated to 145.76 million in 2019. Most recent statistics confirm that up till August 2019, the total number of cellular subscribers reached up to 148.97 million. It is projected that the number of subscribers would reach almost 157 million by the year 2020, but more can be anticipated. Moreover, teledensity reached 85.81 % in 2019, as compared to 44.06 % in 2006-07.
Every time we intend to call, text, or look for updates on social networking apps, we add to the global carbon footprint. The number of greenhouse gases emitted using mobile phones can be assessed as equivalent to millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Furthermore, the power consumption during phones' charging is linked to global climate change. We heavily rely on fossil fuels for energy generation. The average power consumed in charging a mobile phone is between 3.68 watts, as per the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory summary. However, if a mobile phone is completely charged but the charger remains plugged in, the power consumption declines to 2.24 watts.
Recommended: Smart Bag Charges Your Gadgets Anyware
In case you are in a rush and without turning off the charger's power, you unplug your mobile phone; then, the charger will consume 0.26 watts of power supply. Now, as far as annual calculations are concerned, you can imagine the energy consumption and cost of charging a cell phone. Hence, more energy demand means more fossil fuel utilization and increased greenhouse gasses emission.
We are believers because we cannot take the initiative on our own unless supported by some government or private organization. But, this must not be the case. We should strive; even if the impact seems insignificant at the start, the collective action is certainly going to make it everlasting. So next time when you charge your mobile phone, consider its impact on the environment!
Before you go!
Recommended: Agrivoltaics Mutually Beneficial: Food, Water And Energy
Did you find this an interesting article, or do you have a question or remark? Leave a comment below.
We try to respond the same day.
Like to write your article about agriculture?
Click on 'Register' or push the button 'Write An Article' on the 'HomePage.'