Global Projects

Contraction & Convergence

C&C is a model for a realistic, global reduction of emissions that will stabilise CO2 levels at a 'safe' level (Contraction), and then share the reductions equitably (Convergence), in order to achieve stabilisation.

One third of the population currently has 94% of global purchasing power. This epitomises the opposite: i.e. 'Expansion and Divergence' in the modern economic world; where economic power becomes increasingly polarized in favour of the rich countries.

Due to the financial impact of climate change-related disasters, insurance industry costs are currently increasing at 6% per year. With economic growth at only 3%, it is clear that the global economiic system will collapse if we do not change this trend with haste.

The most highly respected international research shows that we need to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at the lowest possible level. Global carbon concentrations have been calculated to be at 380 parts per million in 2005 and increasing annually by 2 ppm, resulting in 400 ppm by 2015. A widely reported ten year warning before a possible point of no return for averting climate chaos refers to this period up till 2015, in the belief that 400 ppm represents that possible tipping point. It is also considered to equate to a global average temperature rise of 2 deg. C, which is included in the pledges invited governments to make by Stop Climate Chaos. (See our UK site, Campaigns page)

The simple elegance of the C&C framework provides for carbon trading between countries, between those which are above and those which are below the limits set, on an equitable basis per head of population, This system would allow less-developed countries to be compensated for suffering the consequences of the effects of CO2 emissions by the most developed ones, and to invest in carbon-free technology themselves, without countries having to argue about historic responsibilities for the damage and destitution that the former are enduring and will continue to endure.

C&C has received praise and support from the UN, a number of governments, influential politicians, councils, committees, environmental agencies, charities, business leaders, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Mayor of London, among others. Its originator and advocate since the Earth Summit in 1992 is Aubrey Meyer - Director of the Global Commons Institute. The following initiative provided a historic opportunity for its wider adoption.

The Chanctonbury* Initiative

The following is the Chairs' summary of an international conference at Wilton Park, Sussex, England between 15-17 November 2003, and entitled:a Conference on a Global Climate Community. It was attended by and the Initiative supported by Jim Scott, representing Save our World.

Towards a Community for Global Climate Protection

Climate Change is a global security issue which requires urgent and responsible leadership by countries North and South, to form a Global Climate Protection Community within the UNFCCC based on equal rights.

1.1 The latest assessment of the International Panel on Climate Change shows that the danger of climate change is intensifying and accelerating.

1.2 Without strong action, climate change could bring massive destruction, loss of life on earth and damage to ecosystems.

1.3 Climate Change should be recognized as a Global Security Issue and should be addressed with the utmost urgency by the international community.

2.1 Many scientists believe that greenhouse gas emissions must be cut by at least 60% by 2050 to satisfy the precautionary principle in order to arrest dangerous climate change.

2.2 The Kyoto Protocol of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which has not yet entered into force, will only achieve a reduction of 2% of Annex 1 emissions, while global emissions are projected to rise by some 30% by 2012.

Therefore:

3.1 Urgent action is required to meet the objective of the UNFCCC.

3.2 This will not be effective unless based on the principles of precaution, equity, solidarity, sustainable livelihood and common but differentiated responsibility.

4. 1 European experience has shown that a community which starts with a core of states, ready and willing to take action and inspire other states to join them can create effective change.

4.2 - We therefore propose that those countries, North and South, with the necessary leadership, statesmanship and sense of responsibility should form a Community for Global Climate Protection (CGCP) and advance the implementation of the UNFCCC at an accelerated pace.

4.3 - This Community for Global Climate Protection (CGPC) would be founded by a group of states, North and the South, adopting a Protocol of Enhanced Cooperation as a bubble within the UN Framework Convention.

5. This Protocol would provide for:

• contraction of global GHG emissions to a level that stabilises concentrations at an acceptable level;
• convergence of GHG emissions entitlements to equal per person distribution within a specified timeframe;
• a market in tradeable emissions entitlements;
• attainment of sustainable livelihoods, through international cooperation, capacity building and transfers of low carbon technologies, and adequate and predictable enabling resources;
• mechanisms that are flexible, transparent and robust to achieve the above.

6. This North-South bubble within the UNFCCC would require institutions that:

7.1 We call for an open dialogue in preparation for a political initiative by a balanced group of willing countries to take the lead in developing proposals by November 2005. 7.2 The member states of the CGCP would be taking a powerful step towards averting the greatest threat to the welfare and survival of humankind and other species. They would derive benefits, not only in leading the coming wave of technological development, but also in cultivating the practice of cooperation that is ever more essential for peace, prosperity and security in an increasingly interdependent world. They should be confident that others will join them until all the peoples of the United Nations enjoy these benefits.

Rungano Karimanzira & Tom Spencer
Joint Chairs, Conference on a Global Climate Community

Wilton Park, 15-17 November 2003

Action Committee for a Climate Community (ACCC)
Secretariat: David Grace 01460 67368,
One World Trust, Houses of Parliament, London SW1 0AA
Email: peter luff<peter@csmworld.org>

Website: www.oneworldtrust.org.uk

* The Chanctonbury Initiative was named after the Chanctonbury Ring of trees on the top of the nearby line of hills named the South Downs. It is a famous local landmark which was devastated by the so-called Hurricane in October 1987. If not a direct fore-runner of the effects of climate change, it was certainly consistent with the kind of extreme weather events to be expected from climate change. Fresh trees have been planted around the Ring which are now making a visible impression of recovery. Hence the naming of the Initiative is both a symbol of devastation and hope of future stabilisation - of the world's climate.

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