1. Transition Towns A story in three parts
I thought I would give an overview of the birth, growth and eventual winding down and transformation of the Transition Network from 2005 to 2018 and try to put it in its Scottish and broader global context. I’ll try to link it to my own engagement with Transition: University of St Andrews ( ) and my research activities since 2014 to speak about the advantages and disadvantages of community-based activism as a response to the climate emergency.
Joshua Msika. 8th of January, Aberdeen Climate Action “Climate Cafe” presentation. Belmont Picture House Cafe, Aberdeen.

2. Once upon a time... Kinsale, Ireland, 2005
Rob Hopkins, Permaculture Teacher
“Energy Descent Action Plan”
By Joshua Msika, 2014
Lots of stories we can’t go into
Totnes, 2006
First Transition Town
Transition Network
By Manfred Heyde - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,

3. Transition Approach
Community-based action to face peak oil, climate change and economic instability.
7 essential ingredients:
Healthy Groups
Vision
Community Involvement
Networks and Partnerships
Practical Projects
Part of a Movement
Reflect and Celebrate

4. Transition Approach

5. Transition in Scotland
Portobello
Dunbar
Linlithgow
Edinburgh
Glasgow
St Andrews
Black Isle
Edinburgh South
Pentlands
Stirling
Forres
By Eric Gaba (Sting - fr:Sting) - Own work ;Topography: NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM3 v.2) data (public domain);Bathymetry: NGDC ETOPO1 data (public domain);Reference used for confirmation for the additional data : ViaMichelin;Locator map : composition of Image:British_Isles_Northern_Ireland.svg, Image:British_Isles_Scotland.svg and Image:British_Isles_Wales.svg (modified) created by Cnbrb under PD., CC BY-SA 4.0,

6. Climate Challenge Fund
Scot Gov funding for “community-led action on climate change”
Started in 2008
£150k/year
~100 projects/year
3 criteria
Climate
Community
Legacy

7. Transition: University of St Andrews
Steering Group: undergraduates, postgraduates, academic and non-academic staff, townsfolk
Project staff: 2.5 FTE
from 2011 to present day

8. Transition: University of St Andrews
Steering Group >
< St AndRe-Use
< Skillshares >

9. Transition: University of St Andrews
Green Film Festival >
< Saint Exchange
Edible St Andrews V

10. Transition: University of St Andrews
< Carbon Conversations
Bike Pool >
< Veg Bags
Green Fayres V

11. Research Projects
TESS ( )

12. Aberdeen region Survey (2015)
Research Projects
Aberdeen region Survey (2015)

13. Research Projects
CCF Evaluation ( ) ?

14. Open Questions
How to capitalise on the Scottish Government’s support without being co-opted by it?
Where did the peak oil/energy descent element go?
Is it ok that CCF initiatives are so reliant on Holyrood funds?
Will this really change the world? Or is it more about creating resilient communities?