Contraction & Convergence
Contraction & Convergence is a framework for reducing global emissions of greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming. It is based on the principles of equity and survival.
Contraction & Convergence is based on two principles: contraction of global carbon emissions and convergence of per capita emissions across the global population.
In contraction, the total annual emission of greenhouse gases reaches a ceiling, and then gradually contracts (look at the shape of the graph).
The convergence mechanism facilitates the distribution of emission entitlements across the world to converge on equality. At the end of the convergence period countries receive entitlements in proportion to the size of their population. Developed countries are the first to make large cuts in their emissions levels, whereas developing countries are permitted to keep increasing their emissions levels for a period before also beginning to cut their emissions (look at the way the traces on hte graph below converge).
Concentration Levels
One of the advantages of Contraction and Convergence is that it allows for flexibility in its planning – the model can be employed with a variety of results, according to the atmospheric concentration of CO2 which it permits and the date by which convergence should occur.
We at the Climate Justice Project believe that the level at which the concentrations of greenhouse gases must stabilise is much lower than most estimates suggest – if atmospheric concentrations of CO2 stabilise at 550 ppmv, as suggested by the IPCC, we run the risk of entering a phase of runaway “climate feedback”, where one change sparks off another with unpredictable results. We believe that any measures taken on this incredibly serious issue should err on the side of caution, and that we should aim to stabilise atmospheric concentrations of CO2 at 350-450 ppmv.
It will not be easy to reach these targets – for the UK, individuals will have to cut their individual emissions by between 60% and 90%. However, we must do something – and we believe that Contraction & Convergence gives us the best chance of survival.
If Contraction & Convergence is to be internationally implemented, it would require global participation The implementation of Contraction & Convergence will help each individual to think about their energy usage year on year. The end goal is that every individual in the world will be entitled to emit the same amount of greenhouse gases – at a level much lower than today’s, in most countries.
Support
But does Contraction & Convergence (C&C) have any support? Yes, the Group of African Nations, the Governments of India and China, the European Commission and many other government bodies support Contraction & Convergence. Also, closer to home it is supported by over half of the MPs in parliament, and five of seven UK political parties, as well as many campaigners and groups from George Monbiot and Mayer Hillman to Scientist for Global Responsibility and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
>> Find out what these groups are saying about Contraction & Convergence
The origins of Contraction & Convergence
Contraction & Convergence is the brainchild of Aubrey Meyer. He is founder and director of the Global Commons Institute (GCI), an independent group concerned with the protection of the global commons, the common heritage of all humanity.
GCI was founded in 1990 after the Second World Climate Conference. Since that time GCI has contributed to the work of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Aubrey and the GCI have been awarded the Schumacher prize in 2000 and the Andrew Lees memorial prize in 1997, as well as gaining international acclaim for the ideas of Contraction & Convergence.
