The principle of 'contraction and convergence' can be applied to climate change, showing us a way forward by reducing the ecological footprint of some while increasing that of others. Such convergence has many dimensions: technological change, cultural diversity, human rights and political power. This Briefing explores these ideas and describes how a charity put these ideas into action. Inspired by the work of Social Change and Development (SCAD) in India, the charity has directly reduced carbon emissions by erecting wind turbines in India, funded by individuals and businesses with high emissions elsewhere in the world in return for an allocation of the carbon saved. The Converging World is an action story which tackles the complexities of climate change, environmental degradation and social injustice.

Author Biography

"John Pontin has a keen interest in sustainability, sitting on the boards of Sustainability West, Business West and the RSA's Advisory Council. He is a board member of the Natural Step (part of Forum for the Future). His company JT Design Build has developed a national profile for its stance on green issues in construction. Ian Roderick is the Director of the Schumacher Institute for Sustainable Systems, a new 'think-and-do tank' created by the Schumacher Society. He is also president of the UK Systems Society and a leading light in the Go Zero project in Chew Magna.