Transition – The West Coast Scene

As Peak Oil arrives along with climate disruption (and the on-going economic meltdown) we search for ways to make local communities sustainable.

In Britain, Rob Hopkins is well-known for developing the Transition Town process, with an Energy Decent Action Plan. This has spread over the world – but North Americans are adapting the program differently.

We begin with an in-depth interview with Michael Brownlee, a co-founder of Transition Boulder, and Transition Colorado. He describes a mini-history of Transition developments in North America. In a disagreement with Hopkins, Brownlee and others call for “Deep Transition” – a kind of mental preparation for severe economic and energy changes ahead.

That’s a poor summary, of a strong interview with Michael Brownlee. Find a transcript of the interview here.
http://www.ecoshock.org/transcripts/Michael_Brownlee_Transcript_110218.h…

We follow with a brief chat with Vandy Savage, eco activist from Vancouver, Canada. She describes the different reaction women have to these challenges. Instead of bunker-building and guns, women organize and co-operate.

I interview Joanne Poyourow, a leader in Transition Los Angeles. That’s right, this city of 10 million people is starting to form smaller sustainable groups – with support from the Mayor’s office. Good details of on-the-ground action, and organization from Transition L.A..

The program closes with an actuality recording from a Village Vancouver meet-up on Canada’s West Coast. It is a registered Transition Town. With introductory talks and an action update from leaders Ann Pacey and Ross Moster. The why and the how.

An hour of worry and hope. Radio Ecoshock for February 18, 2011.

Also available in CD Quality here.
http://www.ecoshock.net/eshock11/ES_110218_Show.mp3