GEF

Unit 10  |  Toward a Sustainable Future 230 Transition Town movement, which originated in Great Britain and is now spreading to towns and cities around the world. Transition Towns operate on the principle that the threats of climate change, resource depletion, and economic downturn are not being adequately addressed by governments, big busi- ness, or international organizations. Instead, Transition Towns foster community-level sustainability and resiliency in agriculture, employment, transportation, and other areas. For example, the Transition Town of Brixton, England, raised enough money to install the U.K.’s first inner-city, community-owned power station. In order to promote local economic development, towns and regions are even producing and circulating their own currency. For example, in the Berkshires region of western Massachusetts, residents of 32 towns can purchase and use a local currency called Berkshares, keeping economic activity in the region and also providing a discount to users. Community initiatives are clearly becoming a potent force as people seek out meaningful ways to embrace sustainability. 400 businesses in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts accept Berkshares as currency. TRANSITION TOWN Grassroots community projects that aim to increase self-sufficiency to reduce the potential effects of peak oil, climate destruction, and economic instability.