Cool Tobacco, Sweet Coca
Teachings of an Indian Sage from the Colombian Amazon

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 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 Converging World
Empowerment through education – SCAD’s experience
Global education as sustainable community education
Diaspora communities: global networks and local learning
Emmaus: equity, empowerment and partnership
Human well-being and the natural environment
NGOs & carbon trading: a potential space for Convergence?
Drawing on life: using local radio in Africa to bring about change
Picturing the lives of others

Hipolito Candre