The Transition Towns concept was conceived to help tackle the twin challenges of Peak Oil and Climate Change. It recognises that the supplies of oil and natural gas that have fuelled the economic growth of the last 200 years cannot be relied upon to sustain that growth in the 21st century. It also recognises that the use of these fossil fuels is already having unacceptable impacts on our climate, and that we have a small window of opportunity if we are to avoid runaway global warming.
Transition Towns is about communities working for themselves to find the best way to minimise their impact on the environment and to reduce their future dependence on fossil fuels to meet their everyday needs and sustain their quality of life.
The Transition Network is a charity that was formed to build upon the groundbreaking work done by Kinsale, Totnes and other early adopters of the Transition Model. Its mission is to inspire, inform, support and train communities as they consider, adopt and implement transition initiatives.
Transition West Berkshire has been formed by local people representing communities from across the district. We welcome the involvement of anyone who feels that they have something to contribute.
We aim to raise local awareness about the key environmental and economic challenges that we will face in the next few years and to galvanise local people into taking appropriate action. We want to work with residents, schools, businesses, local authorities and others to identify the way forward that best suits each of our towns and villages to ensure the long-term success of the area.
We aim to be much more than just a 'talking shop', and will seek to deliver key actions that have an immediate and lastimg impact. By having a district wide association, we hope to benefit from mutual support and shared experiences that will benefit each community that embarks on this journey.
"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
(Last updated: 07 february 2008)