We know this is a bit long. However, it is a compelling read. You might even want to join us after reading this. One way or the other it will change your life and the life of every other person on this planet. Sounds outrageous, we know, but please read on.

One thing we ask is a belief that petroleum (oil) is not a renewable resource. Second, that Climate Change is real. And last, that these two things will be bad for our economy. It is wiser to plan for change than to be forced to react to it. This is the basis for the Transition Movement.

Here are the details:

Worldwide, we are approximately at the maximum level of petroleum production. This is called "Peak Oil". The United States production of oil peaked in the 1970's. Ever since then, the United States has been importing petroleum. Now, however, it is the entire world which has been predicted to peak in oil production. This world peak has already just occurred or will do so within a few years. There is no certainty until after the fact.

Declining supplies of petroleum will drive up prices of oil. Because thousands of products are made from petroleum their prices will also go up or the product(s) may become scarce.

Source

The graph above is a display of Peak Oil.

Notice when it is occurring.

Likewise, the effects of Climate Change could also have diverse negative effects on our towns and cities if left unchecked. For example, there may be more frequent droughts or more severe storms. These, in turn, make it more difficult for farmers to grow the food we eat. The Transition movement helps neighborhoods and communities share resources so that they are better able to bounce back from whatever Mother Nature throws at them.

Evidence what causes Climate Change:

(If you're using Firefox then right click on picture

and select "View Image" for larger graph.)

The above chart describes the level of CO2 currently in our atmosphere. Using trapped air in polar ice, scientists have been able to measure CO2 levels back 650,000 years. These levels have never been as high as they exist today. A consensus of world-wide scientists says that CO2 acts like a blanket around planet Earth. Over time this will increase world temperatures to dangerous levels, unless it is prevented. We need the political will to make the required changes to prevent these predicted high temperatures.

These are the difficult reasons for the Transition grass root movement. If we do not plan for both Peak Oil and Climate Change simultaneously the alternative will be to merely react. Which is better? We believe planning is the best and most positive route.

The Transition Movement was born of a desire to envision a future with fewer resources, but a future the way we want to live it. It has continued to evolve, community by community, through out the world on all six continents. Each person's participation is essential because each community has needs which are unique.

You may ask why the media and government is not sharing these concerns publicly. We believe it is not in the media's best interest because doing so would jeopardize their advertising income as well as their advertisers interests as it becomes clear the economy would be facing far more treacherous implications than what we currently face, which of course would be true. Government, on the other hand, would be on overload mode. It certainly knows about Peak Oil and Climate change but has lost it's ability to deal with multiple difficult issues simultaneously.

There is no one to blame for these issues. We all do what is in our collective best interest until such time we know better. Hopefully, we can begin now because we now know better.

There are no one set of rules or ideas which will work for all communities. That is the reason we need everyone to help make it work for your community or even your neighborhood. Getting to know your neighbors has never been more important.

In summary, Transition Wisconsin is a networking site for those interested in exploring or implementing the Transition framework in Wisconsin communities. This site is being created through grassroots participation, and is continually evolving. It is intended to connect interested "transitioners" with each other and to support the development of local Transition Initiatives.

This movie trailer sums up the Transition Movement. Thanks for taking the time to review our concerns as well as our positive approach to those concerns. We would enjoy having you join us. By signing-up you will have much more information about Peak Oil, Climate Change as well as the Transition Movement.

Written by Rees Roberts and Judy Skog.