The Council on Sustainability invited neighbors from the SouthCoast to join a conversation on March 12, 2012  about how communities can address the rising energy costs, food costs, transportation costs and other challenges over the coming decades. "Given that our communities are rich in fresh local food, recycling initiatives, renewable energy, and public transportation, we have a great potential to become more self-sustainable and resilient to climate change, peak oil and the uncertainties of our current economic system," noted Campus and Community Sustainability Director Susan Jennings. Transition Towns is a global movement tackling these challenges with creative local action. Over 100 towns, cities, suburbs and neighborhoods in the Northeast have started Transition Initiatives to increase local resilience and economic vitality. Certified Transition Trainer Tina Clarke led a two-hour discussion to extend the dialogue. For more information about the conversation, contact Director of the Office of Campus and Community Sustainability Susan Jennings at 508-910-6484. For information about Transition training, contact Tina Clarke at 413-658-8165. (Some photos courtesy of Nate Byrnes)
 

(Top row) Tina Clarke, who has been an advocate, educator, consultant, and director of nonprofit programs since 1985, opens the discussion at the conversation outside the Woodland Commons at UMass-Dartmouth. (Middle row, left) Tony Vieira, Executive Director of Corporate Programs and Partnerships at UMass-Dartmouth, shares an observation as Ray Aghai listens. (Bottom row, left) Andy Pollack makes a point as David Pierce listens. (Bottom row, center and right) Director of the Office of Campus and Community Sustainability Susan Jennings applauds Tina for her leadership and takes a final question from Vincent Marron.