Sustainability; Contraction and Convergence

Abstract: Case studies Convergence Mapping was developed and tested in the CONVERGE project. It is designed to show how various initiatives address the imperatives of living within the limits of the planet and sharing its resources more equitably. First, the theoretical background of the CONVERGE project is introduced. Following this, a summary description of the methodological approach taken when developing Convergence Mapping is provided. Convergence Mapping employs 2 five item scales and can be used to illustrate the ‘limits’ and ‘equity’ components of sustainability and development initiatives. Then specific initiatives from different fields and scales are introduced to show how Convergence Mapping can be used, followed by an overview of initiatives that are placed high on both scales. To conclude, it is emphasized that a more holistic approach towards sustainability is needed, one that calls for more integration and cross-fertilization between social and environmental aspects, i.e. between equity and limits.
Keywords: Sustainability; Contraction and Convergence

This media entry was a contribution to the special session "Sustainable consumption: The chance for absolute reduction?" at the 4th International Degrowth Conference in Leipzig in 2014.