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The Converging World is based on the principle of contraction and convergence’ in regard to climate change, which means reducing the ecological footprint of some while increasing that of others. Such convergence has many dimensions: technological change, cultural diversity, differing values, human rights, political power, social struggles and resistance. As the pressures of population and consumption are stretching the planet’s capacity beyond its limits, this convergence is an urgent necessity.

This Briefing explores these ideas and describes how a new charity is forming to put these ideas into action. Inspired by the work of an Indian agency called Social Change and Development (SCAD), the initiative has started by directly reducing carbon emissions by erecting wind turbines in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />India, which leads to income for economic development in this poor part of the world. At the same time it will indirectly raise funds as gifts from individuals and businesses in the demanding’ (Western) world in return for an allocation of the carbon saved. These funds are used to address the important issue of carbon reduction in the developed world and to promote social change towards sustainable living through local groups across the globe. The Converging World is an action story which tackles the complexities of climate change, environmental degradation and social injustice.

The Authors: 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<?xml:namespace prefix = o />