Is it easier to change systems, markets and human behaviour at smaller scales, and can this add up to global change?
A transition town, or more generally a transition initiative, is a grassroots community project that seeks to build resilience in response to peak oil, climate destruction, and economic instability by creating local groups that uphold the values of the transition network (https://www.transitionnetwork.org/). Values include:
- Respecting resource limits
- Promoting inclusivity and social justice
- Paying attention to balance
- Part of an experimental, learning network
- Freely sharing ideas and power
- Collaborating and looking for synergies
- Positive visioning and creativity
Since the start of the transition town movement in 2006 several hundred transition initiatives have been organized in communities around the world. The idea of transitioning away from fossil fuels has been immediately popular, however it quickly became clear that some kind of training was needed to help the initiating groups move through the early stages of Transition.
The Transition Network is a charitable organisation whose role is to inspire, encourage, connect, support and train communities as they self-organise around the Transition model, creating initiatives that rebuild resilience and reduce CO2 emissions. They run events, conferences, trainings, blogs, webinars, and produce monthly newsletters, books, films, guides, tweets, and more, all with the intention of supporting those around the world who are undergoing Transition.
