Here’s the current list of things we know about that are
happening in the near future. Where
relevant, we’re also listing events a bit further afield that you might be
interested in, too. These are local events that are (unless it says otherwise
in the listing) run by assorted local groups – these are all independent of the
Green Party but we support them because we support their aims and methods.
If you are aware of other talks, events, workshops or other
community activities in the coming week or so, please do mention them in the
comments. If there’s an event you would like our support in promoting, please
email the details to brynnethnimue (at) gmail (dot) com.
We came
across these free courses across Glos (incl Stroud) about how to develop more
inclusive and welcoming communities' –
find out more here.
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'Economics
& Transition'
The next meeting of the
Transition Stroud Book group
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Where
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When
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Saturday
13th September
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Time
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4-6pm
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This month
the Transition Stroud book group will discuss a theme rather than a single
book: Economics & Transition. Last month we read ‘The Burning Question' by Mike
Berners-Lee and Duncan Clark, a key issue of which is that of a 'carbon
bubble' - overvalued fossil fuel companies - that would burst if we keep
fossil fuels in the ground as we must in order to avoid catastrophic
climate change. So this month we will look at 'Economics & Transition'
- texts which present alternative economic models for the future, or
at least offer further insight into the problems of our current economic
system. Rather than a single book, we have 3 key recommendations, and a
longer list of possible readings (as we cannot offer multiple copies of any
of the 3 key books).
The Bioregional Economy by Molly Scott Cato (the South West Green MEP based in
Stroud)
"In a
world of climate change and declining oil supplies, what is the plan for
the provisioning of resources? Green economists suggest a need to replace
the globalised economy, and its extended supply chains, with a more ‘local’
economy... The concept of the ‘bioregion’ — developed and popularised
within the disciplines of earth sciences, biosciences and planning — may
facilitate the reconceptualisation of the global economy as a system of
largely self-sufficient local economies."
You can read pages 1-30 online for free.
Prosperity Without
Growth by Tim Jackson.
"No one denies that development is essential for poorer
nations. But in the advanced economies there is mounting evidence that
ever-increasing consumption adds little to human happiness and may even
impede it. More urgently, it is now clear that the ecosystems that sustain
our economies are collapsing under the impacts of rising consumption.
Unless we can radically lower the environmental impact of economic activity
- and there is no evidence to suggest that we can - we will have to devise
a path to prosperity that does not rely on continued growth."
You can read/download the report for the Sustainable Development
Commission on which this book was
based online for free (pdf).
Sacred Economics by Charles Eisenstein.
"Sacred Economics traces
the history of money from ancient gift economies to modern capitalism,
revealing how the money system has contributed to alienation, competition,
and scarcity, destroyed community, and necessitated endless growth. Today,
these trends have reached their extreme - but in the wake of their
collapse, we may find great opportunity to transition to a more connected,
ecological, and sustainable way of being."
As well as being available in hard-copy at a 'pay what you like' rate, this
book is available for free online, in both PDF and epub formats. In other words, if you have
one, you can read it on your computer, laptop, tablet or kindle.
A copy of each of these books is available from the Transition Stroud Library at
the Black Book Cafe. As we only have one copy of each, we below supply a
list of our other economics titles which we encourage you to read instead.
We'd obviously like you to read one book in full if possible, but if you
can't, feel free to come and hear what other people learned from the books,
and contribute to the discussion. If
you can't read any of the books, please read one of
these short pieces by our key authors:
"New economic model needed not relentless consumer demand" by Tim Jackson, published in The Guardian
"Let's replace our fixation on growth
with a steady-state economy focusing on lower consumption, leisure and
ecological health" by Charles
Eisenstein, published in The Guardian
Pages 1-30 of Molly Scott Cato's "The Bioregional Economy"
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Stroud,
Sun 21 Sep, Gloucestershire Climate March – Climate Change: we can Climb it!
Gloucestershire’s
Climb for Climate
Stroud, 12.00 noon at the Sub Rooms Forecourt.
This is part of a global day of action to highlight the need for international agreement and local actions on capping carbon emissions. There will be events in cities, towns and communities all over the world, and a People’s Climate March in New York, where heads of government are meeting at a climate summit.
We will also be promoting local initiatives to cut carbon emissions, and asking our local government to commit to 100% clean energy. We will ask participants to sign up to the Tipping Point Declaration.
We will make a huge heart shape on Rodborough sports Field, of people and flags to declare our love for people and planet.
Children welcome — it is their future !
Green and Blue - We will flag up the issue with a green/blue theme, to depict the planet
Bring:
- Green/blue flags, banners and clothing
- Songs to celebrate the earth
- Percussion: eg. drums and bells.
- Kites
Bring a picnic ! Share knowledge on climate change.
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