Press release - June 21, 2011
New Delhi, June 20th, 2011- Disappointed over breakdown of talks between Greenpeace and telecom giant Bharti Airtel after the latter backtracked from its earlier assurance of committing to a timeline for disclosing carbon emission and a clean energy roadmap, about 16,000 mobile users across India have sent e-mails to corporate major’s Chairman Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal.
In the mails, the consumers have urged him to come out clean on Airtel’s energy policy and commit to a timeline for the disclosure of its carbon emission and clean energy roadmap now. Instead of responding positively to the mails and making these announcements, the company chose to block the mails. (1)
In his latest letter addressed to the Bharti Airtel Chairman, Greenpeace India Executive Director Samit Aich reminded Mr. Mittal of his responsibility as a market leader in critical times of runaway climate change, and the significant influence he has in creating a massive shift towards clean energy pathway. It is an opportunity for Bharti Airtel to set an example for others to follow. Such initiatives will create a win-win situation both in favour of business and the environment at large.
“It is unfortunate that Bharti Airtel backtracked from its promise thereby resulting in a roadblock in creating a level of trust between Bharti Airtel and Greenpeace towards finding a solution to the reeling climate crisis.” said Mrinmoy Chattaraj, Campaigner, Greenpeace India.
For the last two months, Greenpeace has been urging Airtel to-
- Publicly disclose the carbon emissions of its entire business operation and establish progressive emission reduction targets
- Commit to shift the sourcing of 50% of its energy requirements towards renewable energy sources and phase out diesel use in its business operations by 2015.
- Catalyse a low-carbon economy wide growth, by using its brand power to advocate for strong policies that promote renewable energy
Notes to editor:
1. After the talks with Bharti Airtel on June 10th 2011 failed, over 15,878 mobile users across the country sent an e-mail last week directly to Bharti Airtel Chairman Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal asking him to commit to the demand of Greenpeace. Over 62554 mobile users have already signed a petition asking the same to Bharti Airtel
http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Green-Electronics/switch-off-diesel/ask-airtel-switch-off-diesel/?src=sdbr
For further information, contact:
Mrinmoy Chattaraj, Greenpeace India Climate & Energy Campaigner, +91 99022 01201, 
Abhishek Pratap, Senior Campaigner, Greenpeace India, +91 98456 10749, 
Shashwat Raj, Greenpeace India Media Officer, +91 96 8686 1974, 