Transition Initiative

While governments are planning for climate change on a global level, e.g. the Kyoto Protocol, initiatives to tackle this problem on a local level are equally important. In 2005/2006, the Transition Initiative was founded in Kinsale, Co. Cork by Louise Rooney and permaculture designer Rob Hopkins.

What is the Transition Initiative?

Community gardens with fresh fruit and vegetables are a popular and enjoyable way to start becoming more self-reliant

Irish Farmers' Journal

Community gardens with fresh fruit and vegetables are a popular and enjoyable way to start becoming more self-reliant
Irish Farmers' Journal

Community gardens with fresh fruit and vegetables are a popular and enjoyable way to start becoming more self-reliant

Irish Farmers' Journal

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The Transition Initiative is a local level response to the imminent pressures of climate change and peak oil. The principle of 'think globally, act locally' is central to the Transition Initiative. The aim is to support communities that want to take positive environmental action, as well as increase their ability to endure the inevitability of peak oil through decreasing energy usage.

Building local resilience, raising awareness, creating links with local government authorities, and self-reliance are some of the key aspects of the Transition Initiative. Communities are encouraged to work together to find new ways to reduce energy usage. One of the most novel ideas to help reduce the community carbon footprint is the introduction of local currency at the Transition Town of Totnes, Devon . The Totnes Pound, which is redeemable in local shops, helps to support and strengthen the local business economy as well as reduce food miles.

The Transition Towns in Ireland include:

This is a feasible initiative to adapt to climate change and peak oil.

While the pilot scheme began in Kinsale, it has become an increasingly popular model, and as of 2008 there were 100 communities worldwide recognised as official Transition Towns. The

Transition Network was set up in 2007 as a support for all the Transition Initiatives around the world.

How to Start a Transition Initiative

Criteria for setting up a Transition Initiative are available on the Transition Initiatives Primer. This provides prospective Transition Towns with advice on the best approach to initiating changes. It is not a hard set of rules that must be adhered to, but rather a set of guidelines based on the experiences of the Transition Towns that have so far proved to be successful. Any new ideas are always welcome.

There are twelve steps of transition, which are also available on the Transition Initiatives Primer. Here you will also find an example of an 'Energy Descent Action Plan', and a step-by step guide on how to make the transition to a sustainable, self-sufficient community.

The members of the community must consider its needs in all aspects of life, and plan how they can significantly reduce their community's carbon footprint and become more self-reliant. It involves creativity and adaptability, and will undoubtedly lead to a more rounded, fulfilling way of life.

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