When Cuba lost access to Soviet oil in the early 1990s, the country faced an immediate crisis — feeding the population, and an ongoing challenge: how to create a new, low-energy society. Cuba transitioned from large, fossil-fuel intensive farming to small, less energy intensive organic farms and urban gardens, and from a highly industrial society to a more sustainable one.
The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil tells the story of the Cuban people’s hardship, ingenuity and triumph over sudden adversity — through cooperation, conservation and community, told in their own words. As the world approaches Peak Oil, Cuba provides a valuable example of how to successfully address the challenge of reducing our energy use.
“Everyone who is concerned about Peak Oil needs to see this film. Cuba survived an energy famine during the 1990s, and how it did so constitutes one of the most important and hopeful stories of the past few decades. It is a story not just of individual achievement, but of the collective mobilization of an entire society to meet an enormous challenge.” – Richard Heinberg, author of The Party's Over and Powerdown
Transition Bookham is intending to screen this film as part of it's launch event. Date, time and venue to be announced soon.
(Updated flyer to show the correct mobile 'phone number of 079 4234 4801)
As a follow-up to their screening of 'The Age of Stupid', which explores the effects of climate change, BBC4 are broadcasting 'The Environment Debate' on Tuesday 15th December at 10pm. In this half hour programme, a panel of invited guests will discuss the issues surrounding Fanny Armstrong's film.
Further to my entry on Friday 13th November, I can confirm that the BBC will be screening the movie 'The Age of Stupid' on Monday 14th December 2009 at 10pm on BBC4. Please get everyone you know to tune in or set their recorders!
Over 50,000 people, including members of The GMF, attended The Wave this Saturday (5th December 2009), with Climate Marches being held in London, Glasgow and Belfast.
Such was the turnout that even the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, ended up inviting 24 supporters to 10 Downing Street afterwards, to hear their concerns.
This Saturday (5th December 2009), ahead of the Copenhagen climate talks, people will be converging on London for the National Climate March. At noon there will be a Climate Emergency Rally in Speakers' Corner, Hyde Park (bring a picnic!), followed by the march at 1pm leaving Grosvenor Square to surround Parliament and ending with 'The Wave' at 3pm.
Residents of Mole Valley will be present, including members of The Green Mole Forum who will be catching the following train - 10.26am from Dorking Station (mainline) to London Victoria, calling at Leatherhead 10.33am, Ashtead 10.37am and Epsom 10.41am. Look out for people wearing a lot of blue! For more information you can email rally@greenmoleforum.org
If you're intending to go to the screening of 'The Age of Stupid' in Purley this Friday, 20th November 2009, please note the change of postcode to CR8 2HR. Also it's worth emailing Liz Marsden, the organiser, at liz_marsden@yahoo.co.uk to check there is likely to be enough seating, as the church hall isn't very big!
This Friday, 20th November 2009, there will be a screening of the excellent movie 'The Age of Stupid' in Purley. Starting at 7.45pm, it is due to be held at St. Barnabas Church, 69 Higher Drive, Purley CR8 2HR. Entry is FREE but donations will be very much welcome. In order to reduce the impact of 'movie miles', why not try to car share, or take as many of your family and friends as you can, legally, squeeze in! Or use public transport, cycle or walk, of course... I'm still hoping to get a screening in Mole Valley but it's important to get as many people to see it prior to Copenhagen in order to sway public opinion.