TY - JOUR
T1 - Towards a contraction and convergence target based on population life expectancies since 1960
AU - Read, Paul Anthony
AU - Stanley, Janet Robin
AU - Vella-Brodrick, Dianne Anne
AU - Griggs, David John
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - This paper explores a finding that emerged in the early phases of a multidisciplinary
project applying population health and psychology to issues of social progress
and sustainability. Across 180 countries and half a century of data, the levels of carbon
emissions per capita that maximise life expectancy fall within a tight band averaging only
6.6 tonnes?considerably less than wealthier countries emit per person. Various tests fail to
break down the curves and, although the authors remain cautious, the stability since 1960
offers implications for the carbon budget leading up to 2050. This is the first time these
curves have been contextualised against established climate science, with timely implications
for international negotiations on sustainability and development.
AB - This paper explores a finding that emerged in the early phases of a multidisciplinary
project applying population health and psychology to issues of social progress
and sustainability. Across 180 countries and half a century of data, the levels of carbon
emissions per capita that maximise life expectancy fall within a tight band averaging only
6.6 tonnes?considerably less than wealthier countries emit per person. Various tests fail to
break down the curves and, although the authors remain cautious, the stability since 1960
offers implications for the carbon budget leading up to 2050. This is the first time these
curves have been contextualised against established climate science, with timely implications
for international negotiations on sustainability and development.
U2 - 10.1007/s10668-012-9432-y
DO - 10.1007/s10668-012-9432-y
M3 - Article
VL - 15
SP - 1173
EP - 1187
JO - Environment, Development and Sustainability: a multidisciplinary approach to the theory and practice of sustainable development
JF - Environment, Development and Sustainability: a multidisciplinary approach to the theory and practice of sustainable development
SN - 1387-585X
IS - 5
ER -