The concept of [[Contraction and Convergence]] asks for substantial reductions in carbon emissions of the "developed" (industrialised) nations. Carbon emissions shall be reduced to meet a maximum carbon emission allowance for each person on the earth. It is thought that the earth system as a whole can absorb 4 billion tonnes of carbon per year. With an estimated peak world population at 10 billion people the per capita allowance for carbon emissions is 0.4 tonnes of carbon. this is vastly exceeded by the industrialised countries, whereas developing countries (including China) have not yet reached this figure. The USA emits about 6 tonnes per capita, Canada a little less, UK and many European countries about half as much (3 tonnes). The figures are not too precise, as international transport is not included. Much of third world countries carbon emissions for instance are used to produce the rawmaterials and goods which the developed countries consume. 

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In order to achieve the required emission cuts much needs to be done. Politicians need to be persuaded to sign international agreements which are based on ideas of [[Contraction and Convergence]], national policies must be formed which will achieve these drastic carbon emission cuts, action needs to be taken on local, community and individual level to  put it into place, to make it all real and not just wishful talk or empty political promises.

For the UK, [[http://risingtide.org.uk| Rising Tide]] explains why [[http://risingtide.org.uk/pages/action/90percent/90why.htm| 90% cuts of greenhouse gases]] are necessary. 

(more to come)

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Threads: [[!Climate Change]]