What if the energy supplies, food systems and other foundations of our modern economy and lifestyle suddenly changed?  How would Somerville cope?  It’s a notion more of us have been thinking about during the past year. We saw gasoline spike to $4 a gallon last summer, then watched our consumption-driven economy slide into a deep recession.  At the same time, scientists are telling us we must take urgent, dramatic action to avert climate catastrophe.

We invite you to join us in exploring how Somerville can respond to theses challenges and move toward a healthy future for all, including how we can seize the coming changes as an opportunity to transform racial and class inequities rather than deepen them.  We will discuss the Transition Towns movement, a community-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing resilience that originated in the UK and is gaining traction around the globe.  Tina Clarke, a certified Transition Trainer, will share an overview of Transition Towns and talk about how the model can help us address the urgent problems of energy now faced by human civilization.

Tina Clarke is a certified Transition Towns Trainer (www.transitiontowns.org) and a consultant with the Sustainability Institute (www.sustainer.org) and the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s home energy efficiency program.  She provides training and support for community energy and environmental initiatives.  Tina has been an advocate, educator, consultant, and director of nonprofit programs since 1985.  In Washington, D.C. she led citizen advocacy training for 16 faith communities and directed Greenpeace USA’s citizen activist network.  As a Campaign Director for Clean Water Action, she initiated and helped lead environmental campaigns and coalitions.

Transition Somerville
April 22, Wednesday, 7:00pm
Visiting Nurse Association (VNA)
259 Lowell St., Somerville

All are welcome!  Drinks and snacks will be served.

Hosted by Somerville residents Vanessa Rule, Jennifer Mazer and Emily Hardt.  For more information, please contact Emily at emilyhardt(at)gmail.com or 617-775-5827.