Modelling the Post-Fossil-Fuel Future. When the economy will shrink and localism will grow,
The Big Picture A remarkable transformation is underway in the shifting sands of global economics. The traditional financial economy, focusing on GDP growth, stock markets, and fiscal policies, is gradually receding into the background. In its place emerges a novel paradigm based not on impersonal market forces but on the intimate bonds of extended families …
In transitioning from fossil fuels, providing essential services like potable water becomes a critical challenge. For a localist community with no access to mains electricity and water and a shrinking economy, innovative and sustainable approaches are necessary to ensure a reliable water supply. This piece explores the community’s strategies to secure clean drinking water, emphasizing …
Localisation is now pivotal, bridging cultural divides and fostering meaningful connections. A new culture of localism is emerging. Traditionally, top-down planners saw local doings as decentralisation. A variation of top-down thinking, Neighbourhood Development Plans were an example. The government decided on the big picture it wanted, and local authorities translated this into local planning policies …
Economic Cost of Energy (ECoE) is a pivotal metric for elucidating the genuine expenses associated with both energy production and utilization. Unlike conventional indices like the price per kilowatt-hour or the cost per barrel of oil, ECoE furnishes a more encompassing perspective by integrating financial outlays and the energy inputs indispensable for the extraction, manufacturing, …
In the contemporary era, communities encounter distinctive challenges marked by depleting resources and evolving economic terrains. Amidst these complexities, the imperative of cultivating self-sufficiency and resilience becomes pronounced, particularly in light of diminishing fossil fuel reservoirs and a contracting global economy. A pivotal aspect of this pursuit involves the establishment of local enterprises that address …
This is an excellent resource for UK residents. It was developed by a charity serving voluntary and community groups in the Brighton and Hove area.
In an era marked by economic uncertainties and looming energy crises, the need for innovative solutions to sustain essential services becomes paramount. Among these services, telecommunication stands as a cornerstone of modern society, enabling connectivity, information exchange, and economic activity. However, traditional telecommunication infrastructures reliant on centralized systems and extensive fossil fuel consumption face challenges …
As the economy shrinks and the availability of fossil fuel energy declines, the need for sustainable and resilient solutions becomes increasingly urgent. However, within these challenges lie opportunities for communities to harness their unique assets and strengths to build a more sustainable future. Communities comprise diverse assets, ranging from natural resources to social capital, infrastructure, …
Indigenous cultures, spanning every continent on Earth, have long thrived in harmony with their environments, relying on traditional knowledge and sustainable practices to sustain their communities. However, the modern world’s dependence on fossil fuels and the relentless pursuit of economic growth has posed significant challenges to these ancient ways of life. As economies shrink and …
An Imagined Story in the heart of a small, close-knit vilage nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, a collective spirit was brewing. The community, facing the harsh realities of a shrinking economy and dwindling fossil fuel resources, embarked on a remarkable journey to build a sustainable community hall reminiscent of the Amish tradition. Their …