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TRANSITION ISLANDS
NETWORK
Islands are more
vulnerable because people and goods are carried to & fro by ferry. The
Peak Oil price rises will push ferry
fares up and ransom island inhabitants.
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Islands often
have less disposable income...
o
As the cost of
imported food rises...
o
Pressure on
landfill...
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Craft
industries and specialist producers...
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Because docks
are built at sea-level, they will be threatened
Climate Change...
In short. the fate of islands facing the twin challenges of Peak Oil and
Climate Change is a national issue. Left to suffer, islands will be
orphaned. Their populations will be forced to emigrate, abandoning
island housing stock and demanding new-build housing elsewhere.
Taking steps now could create highly resilient communities on islands.
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They usually
have a clearer identity than mainland communities...
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Local foods
are more suited to the local environment...
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Sustainable
wind-, wave- and tidal power methods suit islands...
The UK’s islands need to work together to learn from each other’s ideas
and also to put their special case to Government. Islands have often
been convenient places to run pilot tests. With support, they could lead
the way in responding to these challenges.
On the Isle of Wight, we have a Transition Island Steering Group. It
aims to inspire Transition Town steering groups in towns and villages.
It also wishes to address whole-island issues.
But the work required on the relationship with the mainland is vital –
it is this that makes all islands different to city groups, etc. Islands
need to evolve their own particular arrangements for their own local
situations, but we do also have a great deal in common.
Twinning is an established method of helping towns in similar situations
learn from each other. We can expand this idea to create a Transition
Island Network to approach the growing need for support Networks can
communicate by internet now, saving time and reducing fuel consumption
at a stroke. The country needs its islands to network, innovate and
contribute solutions for the general good.
REQUEST FULL TRANSITION ISLANDS NETWORK PROPOSAL
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