Rob Hopkins

We live in an oil-dependent world, and have got to this level of dependency in a very short space of time, using vast reserves of oil in the process without planning for when the supply is not so plentiful. Most of us avoid thinking about what happens when oil runs out (or becomes prohibitively expensive), but The Transition Handbook shows how the inevitable and profound changes ahead can have a positive outcome. These changes can lead to the rebirth of local communities, which will grow show more more of their own food, generate their own power, and build their own houses using local materials. They can also encourage the development of local currencies, to keep money in the local area. There are now over 30 Transition Towns in the UK, with more joining as the idea takes off. With little proactivity at government level, communities are taking matters into their own hands and acting locally. If your town is not a Transition Town, this upbeat guide offers you the tools for starting the process. show less

Interesting, and great to have all in one place. An inspiring movement. But not very fresh for those of us involved on the ground; feels repetitive. Great if you're new on the permaculture/local economics scene.

A great handbook to effect community-level environmental change. I was rather put-off by the emphasis on local currencies and on local resilience (the former because I don't see the point; the latter because of its dismissal of social justice issues: it's comfortable to strive for resilience when you're already privileged, and resilience is dangerously close to isolationism). But on the whole, the Transition Initiative's combination of head, heart, and hands considerations is hopeful, show more uplifting, and inspiring, and this book is a good way to learn about it. show less

The Transition Handbook shows how the inevitable and profound changes ahead could have a positive effect. Written by permaculture expert Rob Hopkins, he discusses the possibility of a rebirth of local communities, which will generate their own fuel, food and housing. These will encourage the development of local currencies, to keep money in the local area, and unleash a local 'skilling-up', so that people have more control over their lives.