Climate change as a result of high levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, most notably CO₂, is a serious but survivable predicament.

Although there is evidence that a portion of our current warming trend may be due to non-human factors, such as solar cycles, it is generally agreed that human activity is responsible for the majority of the recent warming trend that has been observed.

Presently the issue has garnered widespread attention in the media and politicians have started vying to be the greenest.  We do not get involved in the political debate, rather we focus on solutions that will help reduce the human part of the impact and at the same time ensure we strengthen our local economy.

People are motivated to change when they see a positive reason to do so, therefore we feel it is important to present accurate information about global warming without dramatic embellishment.  More local and regional research needs to be done to determine what the regional effects of climate change are likely to be so that individuals, families and businesses can make plans for an uncertain future.

Global warming is such a scary topic that many people prefer to avoid it all together. Some of the local scenarios that might be anticipated include:

• Warmer than average northern and eastern artic temperatures
• Unpredictable and changing water levels
• Longer and more severe droughts
• Increased dangerous storm activity
• Changes in the population of animal and plant species that make up our natural habitat
• Risks of extinction or invasive species
• Water quality problems due to increased fequency and intensity of blue-green algae
• Shortages of drinking water as our supply is diverted to other areas

Climate change is not something that can be solved; at least not in the sense that we can find some way to continue on with our energy rich lifestyles.  When we consider oil and gas depletion, significant causes of high energy prices, we can see that the energy market is already starting to signal a transition away from fossil fuel energy and towards cleaner sources of energy like renewable energy.

Transition Initiatives try to help communities become more resilient so that they can withstand the environmental shocks expected from climate change and continue to prosper.  The transition will not be easy, but with proper forsight, preparation, and a focus on building more resilient communities, we can survive the transition away from fossil fuels.