discussion paper

Convergence is a rights-based framework based on the principle that every global citizen has a right to a fair share of the earth's bounty and access to fundamental rights. It advocates socio-ecological justice, calling for wealth, wellbeing and consumption to converge across and within nations to a level that this biosphere can support. Convergence aims to enshrine intra-generational equity in the sustainability discourse. Pontin & Roderick (2007) state that Convergence is not about creating one homogenous culture; it is about allowing diversity while advocating universal concepts of human rights. Convergence is not restricted to the global scale, it can occur at regional, national and local levels as well. Any framework for Convergence requires participation and equitable sharing of benefits and costs... more

The CONVERGE project is an interdisciplinary research project funded by the European Union. We recognize that resources are not equally distributed, and the annual draw-down of many resources exceeds the capacity of the planet to supply them. We explore the concept of equity in the light of biological planetary limits - with regards to the various sustainability challenges and positive sustainability initiatives the world is witnessing... More