A letter [12th of October] to The Hon Greg Combet MP Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water in Australia from Alan Marshall of Climate Change Answers in Tasmania: -
www.climatechangeanswers.org is at: -
www.climatechangeanswers.org/campaign/LessonsFromCopenhagen.pdf
makes a good case for Contraction and Convergence [C&C].
"Contraction and Convergence"
Built on the ideal of per-capita emissions rights, the model is practical in its implementation. Because the emissions cuts required by developed nations are so deep, convergence to a per-capita solution is only possible over time.
In contraction, the total annual emission of greenhouse gases reaches a ceiling, and then gradually contracts. 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.
The model has widespread support from scientists, businessmen, politicians, and faith groups. (see http://gci.org.uk) It has received endorsement from a long list of luminaries, including: -
Nick Clegg, UK Deputy Prime Minister
Ed Milliband, Leader of the UK Labour Party
Sir David Attenborough, Naturalist
Dr Tim Flannery, Australian of the Year
(and we are left to wonder why the media pretended if you werent Jim or Bob, your contribution to the civics of Christchurch could only be limited to the merest by-line. /Blair)
