Transition Towns – the way forward?

Recently, I have been reading various inspirational books on how a low-carbon, energy efficient planet can be achieved.  The important thing to realise is that change is already happening at a much faster rate than previously thought possible.

‘Plan B 4.0’ from Lester R. Brown’s ‘Plan B’ series of books quotes environmentalist Paul Hawken in a 2009 college commencement address.  In recognising the enormity of the challenge facing us, he said: “First we need to decide what needs to be done.  Then we do it.  And then we ask if it is possible.”  Download the book as a free e-book or click here to buy it

Globally, the Transition Towns network (which began in Ireland by the way) is growing rapidly.  It is not a ‘we are doomed’ movement but a brilliant concept of how groups and communities can get together to create change and work towards a greener, healthier future. The name is perhaps misleading because ‘towns’ is not what it is all about – communities in areas ranging from small rural areas to large cities are all involved. To read more on this exciting movement check out the followling links; http://transitionculture.org and http://www.transitionstowns.org.

If you ar more of a book worm Rob Hopkin’s book ‘The Transition Handbook’  takes an in-depth look at the concepts behind the network, or Richard Heinberg’s book ‘Peak Everything’ offers more insight in to the background of the initiative. You should be able to borrow them both from your library.

Finally, and probably most importantly you can get involved in your local network by checking out http://transitiontownsireland.ning.com

More will be found on this and similar subjects later in my GreenMe blogs and at www.landmarkdesigns.org.uk