Here are a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) relating to the TTT project. Do feel free to email us with any questions you might have via the contacts page.

What is Peak Oil?

'Peak Oil' refers to the maximum extraction rate of oil, after which the rate of extraction will decline. It has been found that the extraction of oil always follows a more or less bell-shaped curve: first the oil is discovered and once it starts to be pumped out, the rate increases steadily until it reaches a peak, after which it becomes impossible to pump at the same rate: production will inexorably decline.

World discovery of oil peaked in 1964 and has been declining ever since, despite considerable improvements in technology, and there is no prospect of any significant large discoveries. We are currently consuming more than six barrels of oil for every one we discover. There is a growing consensus that we are now approaching, or are even at, the world oil peak.

What is Transition Town Totnes?

This new initiative, Transition Town Totnes, will seek to engage all sectors of the community in addressing this, the great transition of our time. We offer no fixed answers, rather believing the solutions will arise from engaging the creativity, imagination and knowledge for which Totnes is so well known. TTT is designed to stimulate creative thought, and its aim over the next year is to create a timetabled plan for how Totnes can move to a lower energy future which is both abundant and delightful. It will be fun, engaging, inspiring and positive, putting Totnes on the international map as a community that engaged its creativity and collective genius with this timely and pressing issue. We look forward to your participation.

What is an Energy Descent Action Plan?

The best place to find a concise overview of the Energy Descent Action Plan (EDAP) concept is here. The Kinsale Energy Descent Action Plan, upon which the Totnes one will be modelled, is available as a free download here.

Why 'Energy Descent'?

The term energy descent refers to the downward half of the peak oil curve, when the Age of Cheap Oil is over and world energy supplies have entered an inexorable decline. In 'Energy Descent Pathways' (download from here) , Rob Hopkins defines energy descent as being;

“The continual decline in net energy supporting humanity, a decline which mirrors the ascent in net energy that has taken place since the Industrial Revolution. It also refers to a future scenario in which humanity has successfully adapted to the declining net fossil fuel energy availability and has become more localised and self-reliant. It is a term favoured by people looking towards energy peak as an opportunity for positive change rather than an inevitable disaster.”

What's happening at the moment?

The full programme of events, meetings and workshops can be seen on our Calendar.  All of our projects are listed on the Projects Summary page, and all of our current Groups are listed on the left hand menu box.

How can I get involved?

Please see our Getting Involved pages to find out about all the different ways you can participate in, and support TTT.

How can I start up a Transition project in my own community?

If you are interested in starting up your own Transition Initiative where you live, then please visit the Transition Network for advice and support.