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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
In the heart of the countryside, there lies an opportunity—a chance to revive the ancient art of woodland management and craft a sustainable future. Inspired by the pages of Thomas Hardy’s “The Woodlanders,” where the rhythms of rural life and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature are vividly portrayed, a new generation is awakening …
In the tumultuous landscape of a shrinking economy and dwindling fossil fuel energy, the concept of money transforms from a mere medium of exchange to a vital instrument of survival. As traditional economic structures falter under the weight of scarcity and uncertainty, communities are forced to innovate, turning to ancient practices like barter in a …
As the global economy grapples with the challenges of economic contraction and diminishing fossil fuel resources, the management of watersheds emerges as a critical priority for building resilience and sustainability in communities around the world. Watersheds, which encompass the interconnected network of rivers, streams, and water bodies that supply freshwater to ecosystems and human populations, …
As the economy contracts and energy costs continue to rise, the National Health Service (NHS) faces a challenging future marked by difficult decisions and resource constraints. The NHS, a cornerstone of the United Kingdom’s social fabric, is tasked with providing healthcare services to all citizens regardless of their financial means. However, during economic downturns and …
In the wake of economic downturns and diminishing fossil fuel resources, the concept of extended families is experiencing a resurgence in relevance and significance. As traditional support structures waver under the strain of economic instability and resource scarcity, extended families are stepping in to fill the gaps, offering a buffer against the harsh realities of …
In the tapestry of a community, the care home should be a vital thread, weaving connections that bind neighbours, families, and individuals into a resilient fabric of support and compassion. At its core, localism will find a poignant expression within care homes, where relatives, neighbours, and residents come together in a shared journey of care …