A global economist for HSBC recently warned that oil will last us less than 50 years, and called for government planning on a level not seen for 40 years. The Transition Movement has already begun planning. It began in 2005 in Totnes in the UK with a vote by the town council to work toward energy independence and a sustainable future. The idea spread quickly. There are now over 300 communities recognized as official Transition Towns in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Italy and Chile. Host Stephanie Potter speaks with David Johnson and Jim Newcomer who are with Transition PDX in Portland, Oregon. Johnson is also on the Board of Transition US and serves as a Transition Trainer. Transition PDX is loosely organized into a network of groups comprised of people coming together to overcome the challenges of peak oil, economic stagnation and the climate crisis, and to explore how the Transition model can be applied in the Portland area to create thriving neighborhoods. Meetings are held most Wednesdays (7pm-9pm) at St. Francis of Assisi -- the Dining Hall (1182 SE Pine) for the larger meetings, or in the 'Che' room (1131 SE Oak St.) with its four couches and more comfortable chairs. Meetings are also held at various neigborhood venues throughout the city -- visit transitionPDX.org to learn more. (music by Kevin Mcleod)
- KBOO