Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
Keith Schneider Energy companies are rushing to develop unconventional sources of oil and gas trapped in carbon-rich shales and sands throughout the western United States and Canada. So far, government officials have shown little concern for the environmental consequences of this new fossil fuel development boom.
Recumbent bikes with bodywork evoke a curious effect. They look as fast as a racing car or a jet fighter, but of course, they’re not. Nevertheless, thanks to the recumbent position, the minimal weight and the outstanding aerodynamics, pedalling a “velomobile” requires three to four times less energy than pedalling a normal bicycle.
I’ve been a clinical psychologist for the past 22 years, have worked in a variety of settings, and with people of different ages and a variety of presenting problems, but nothing in my professional background prepared me emotionally to wrap my head around Peak Oil. Four and a half years ago, I began a research project to figure out what is a “normal” reaction to learning about Peak Oil, and this essay is a summary of what I’ve learned.
Over 40 people came together in Bristol on Wednesday to explore what the government’s Big Society agenda might mean for Transition initiatives. What follows is my attempt to produce a clear record of the event, the ideas and the debates, as well as the suggestions for where this might go next.
Articles that we thought were significant this month.
Gardens replace driveways, a chicken coop replaces a garage, and personal relationships are deepening. Meet the residents of three adjoining houses, who removed the fences and talk about shared projects (and their one auto!), meals together, ecological living, and treasured conviviality. This idea could transform urban and suburban neighborhood life anywhere.
– The Rise of the New Power Co-Op Movement
– Transitioners: Leading the Way to a Smarter Future
– Skill Up, Party Down
– Transition in Scotland
– In U.S. Transition Towns, the Big Challenge is Bringing People Together
– Resilient Nonprofits
When officials gather for an international summit on biodiversity next month, they might look to remind the world why species matter to humans: for producing oxygen, finding new drugs, making agricultural crops more productive, and something far less tangible — a sense of wonder.
I never thought I would see this happen: throughout the local foods movement, there are complaints now from the farmers saying that there are too many markets and marketers. That means less money for each farmer, the ancient problem that never goes away.
– “How to Boil a Frog” trailer (just out)
– Finding common ground at ASPO-USA’s annual conference
– Lakoff: Notes on Environmental Communication
– It’s time to talk honestly about collapse
– Stories That Light Up The Dark
– Small Change: Why the revolution will not be tweeted.
– How to start a movement (TED Talk video – NEW)
Civilization depends on fertile soils. Ultimately, the health of the people cannot be separated from the health of the land.
“The message for the White House and for Congress was simple,” said JW Randolph, a Tennessee native and an advocate with Appalachian Voices, a grassroots organization that opposes MTR mining: “Stop mountaintop removal and let us bring economic diversification to Appalachia.”
