What is Contraction and Convergence?
Contraction and Convergence is an emissions reduction framework based on a system of global justice. It starts by defining a global cap on carbon and other green house gas emissions which sees annual emissons contract over time. Having defined this global cap or budget, the right to emit each tonne of this budget is distributed to nation states as emissions entitlements. The mechanism for allocating these entitlements is “convergence”. Annual emissions entitlements are initially distributed proportional to current emissions levels. Over a specified time frame there is a convergence to a distribution of equal per capita emissions entitlements. This allows developing countries to continue to develop, while still requiring them to participate in emissions reduction schemes. The global annual carbon budget reduces year on year, until global carbon emissions are at a safe level to avoid serious climate change. Contraction & Convergence allows for trade, so those who emit less can sell their
