Abstract

We live in an oil-dependent world, and we have reached this level of oil dependency in a very short time. We have used up vast reserves of oil in the process, without thinking ahead to times when the supply of oil may not be so plentiful. In this talk, Rob Hopkins will show how the inevitable and profound changes ahead can have a positive outcome, leading to the rebirth of local communities who grow more of their own food, generate their own energy, and use local materials to meet their needs.

When we are looking for responses to peak oil and climate change, rebuilding local communities matters, because of the power that emerges from working together and creating meaningful change through shared action. In a world where people’s sense of connection to their communities is in decline, taking practical action together enables us to rediscover meaningfulness and community.

Rob Hopkins is the co-founder of Transition Town Totnes and of the Transition Network. He has many years experience in education, teaching permaculture and natural building, and is author of ‘The Transition Handbook: from oil dependence to local resilience’ and the forthcoming ‘The Transition Companion: making your community more resilient in uncertain times”. He publishes www.transitionculture.org, lectures and writes widely on Transition, lives in Devon and is a keen gardener.

This event is by donation (suggested contribution £3-5). There will be drinks and cakes afterwards to celebrate Transition Cambridge’s 3rd birthday. There will also be stalls from local transition groups so that you can find out more about transition projects in and around Cambridge. Posters for the event are available here.