Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Hopkins- The Transition Handbook

I always though air and water pollution was bad and displacing indigenous communities for their resources was the basis of (social) evil. To the extent that I believe that I have a right to breathe clean air and drink clean water I have always opposed the notion that the government can allow incremental pollution of my body organs. So peak oil and climate change are only new ways to address the same conflicts of rights over my life systems- lungs, kidneys, heart, blood, etc.

In The Transition Handbook- from oil dependence to local resilience by Rob Hopkins and Richard Hienberg a wonderful case is make for why we should build resilient communities to address a resource limited future and a livable planet for future generations. Home agriculture, and community gardens are the first steps.

Peak oil doesn't engage people. Its been around for a while now. People are not connected to any long term problem. In a way Hopkins is saying that we need to appeal to a better society without saying the world is ending. Develop a vision and work back to what steps today can realize the long term sustainable vision. The silence that pervades this issue is an inability to see past our needs. Some people walk or bike and others think they are doing the impossible. Same with growing your own food- its a surprise. So speak up and do and let your own lives be the light that illuminates the darkness.

The discussion of The Transition Handbook by Rob Hopkins is chugging along on Hyperlocavore! You can drop in anywhere!