1. Steve Willoughby www.walden-in-transition.org.uk

2. Difficult Information - 1 Global oil production is near its all-time maximum. Coal and gas are not far behind.Global oil production is near its all-time maximum. Coal and gas are not far behind. The consequences will be severe.The consequences will be severe. There will be no techno-fix.There will be no techno-fix. Therefore society will have to power-downTherefore society will have to power-down Meanwhile, Climate Change poses a thorny policy challenge. Enormous economic interests stand in the way of enforceable effective global agreements.Meanwhile, Climate Change poses a thorny policy challenge. Enormous economic interests stand in the way of enforceable effective global agreements.

3. Difficult Information - 2 Climate Change makes global power- down necessary. Peak oil makes it unavoidable.Climate Change makes global power- down necessary. Peak oil makes it unavoidable. The powering-down process will be complex, lengthy and perilous.The powering-down process will be complex, lengthy and perilous. The world is teetering on the edge of a global depression.The world is teetering on the edge of a global depression.

4. Interlocking Crises Climate Change Oil Depletion Collapse of Global Economy

5. Industrial Ascent (Modernism) Energy & Resource Use Population Pollution Pollution CO 2 CO 2 Climax Techno-Fantasy Techno-Stability Energy Descent Collapse Great Grand Children Agriculture 10,000yrs BP IndustrialRevolution Baby Boom Pre-industrial sustainable culture Historical Time Future Time Creative Response Where are we going?

6. Degloblisation/Relocalisation Local food production, energy and goodsLocal food production, energy and goods Local currency, government and cultureLocal currency, government and culture Increased local employment / reduced commutingIncreased local employment / reduced commuting Reduced consumptionReduced consumption Less reliance on externalsLess reliance on externals IS INEVITABLEIS INEVITABLE

8. Crisis = Opportunity Saffron Walden, using much less energy and resources than we presently consume could, if the Transition is properly planned for and designed, be more resilient, more abundant, better connected, enriching and a more pleasurable place in which to live than at present.

10. Strategic Response Power-holders will not lead the transition because of vested interests; it’s up to us!Power-holders will not lead the transition because of vested interests; it’s up to us! Limits: Many needed changes require policy initiatives, ultimately on the scale of WWIILimits: Many needed changes require policy initiatives, ultimately on the scale of WWII But policy-makers can be bold if there is a groundswell of public support, so grassroots efforts are very important.But policy-makers can be bold if there is a groundswell of public support, so grassroots efforts are very important.

11. About Walden in Transition Core team came together last autumnCore team came together last autumn Not intended to duplicate or supplant other initiatives or organisationsNot intended to duplicate or supplant other initiatives or organisations Inclusivity important – those who feel left out are more likely to attempt to undermine itInclusivity important – those who feel left out are more likely to attempt to undermine it Relation to local government – policy makers need more options. Make Transition work persistently visible.Relation to local government – policy makers need more options. Make Transition work persistently visible. Relation to other Transition initiativesRelation to other Transition initiatives Relation to the official Transition Towns movementRelation to the official Transition Towns movement

12. What will Walden be like in 5 years, 15 years … ? Possible themes Food – Homes – Waste – Technology (ICT) – Values – Business – Schools – Local Currency – Transport – Energy Production – Arts – Health – Housing – Sport – Entertainment – Citizenship – Employment – Continuing Education – Psychology of Change …

13. Open Space Sessions How might things be in 5 years with rather less energy, travel, waste, consumption, external inputs and some increase in self- reliance?How might things be in 5 years with rather less energy, travel, waste, consumption, external inputs and some increase in self- reliance? How might things be in 15 years with much less energy, travel, waste, consumption, external inputs and much more self-reliance?How might things be in 15 years with much less energy, travel, waste, consumption, external inputs and much more self-reliance?

14. “Official” Transition Towns an understanding of peak oil and climate change as twin drivers (to be written into constitution or governing documents) a group of 4-5 people willing to step into leadership roles (not just the boundless enthusiasm of a single person) at least two people from the core team willing to attend an initial two day training course. a potentially strong connection to the local council a commitment to regularly update your Transition Initiative web presence a commitment to make periodic contributions to the Transition Towns blog (the world will be watching) a commitment, once you're into the Transition, for your group to give at least two presentations to other communities (in the vicinity) that are considering embarking on this journey minimal conflicts of interests in the core team a commitment to work with the Transition Network re grant applications for funding from national grant giving bodies. a commitment to strive for inclusivity across your entire initiative. and finally, we recommend that at least one person on the core team should have attended a permaculture design course... it really does seem to make a difference.

15. What other TT Groups are doing Seed swaps – Community orchards – Food growing demos – Basket making – Bike maintenance – Foraging for food – Planting nut trees – Films about money – Recycle your read – Setting up a local currency – Energy fair – Food waste awareness event – Local cookbook – Guide to cooking leftovers – Garden sharing – Talks on natural medicine – Preparing for change workshops – Developing eco-pack for schools – Public exhibition of plans for transport – Car clubs – Re-opening railway lines – Transition library – Skills share – Time bank – Tales and visions – Equipment share – Transition film nights – Community bag – Raw food – Local food branding – Simple living networks – Transition reading groups – Crisis management planning group

17. Thank you for coming! Next meeting Sunday, June 28 th, 2.00-5.00pm Day Centre