13th February 2008

See one Green party view of Transition Town movement in Green World here and Nailsworths' Fi Macmillan's view below.

Dear Editor
 
As Rupert says, one of the important functions of Transition Towns is to enable demonstration projects for a more sustainable future.
 
The success of the Transition Town initiative, both here in Stroud and nationally, has been that it enables a grassroots response to concern about Peak Oil and climate change.  As a grassroots organisation, with real people, we can develop projects and change our behaviour, supported by fellow Transitioners.  We can be working examples of the low-carbon life that will be the future for all of us.  Economic systems and legislation are theoretical frameworks which guide our behavioural choices.  Yes, they are important, but action is where it is at.
 
In Transition Stroud we are now working with the District Council and Local Strategic Partnership to develop co-operation, raise awareness of the issues and to change policy.  This is not a 'fantasy'.  It is real engagement with politicians and the community.  Our last sesssion on planning issues identified how the Planning Department can support the decentralisation of energy production.
 
Last year, we arranged for Richard Heinberg ('The Party's Over' - Peak Oil expert) to speak here in Stroud.  We engaged the District Council around the issues, and Heinberg made a special presentation to the Council.  On the back of this, we started dialogue with key council officers, using the Portland, Oregon Transition Plan as a working model for change.  Jointly this led to the creation of a Think Tank to develop a district-wide adaptation plan to Peak Oil and climate change.
 
Transition Towns and the Green Party.  Ideal bedmates.
 
 
Fi Macmillan
Business and Government Group
Transition Stroud