Loudoun Transition Initiative Forum

What is the Loudoun Transition Initiative?

Sustainable Loudoun and George Washington University are hosting a public forum at the Loudoun GWU campus on the evening of Nov 30th to discuss the Loudoun Transition Initiative. What is a transition initiative and why should we attend?

Many citizens are concerned about the growing impact of global warming, the long term viability of the local economy, and/or the over-reliance on oil, wanting to understand the options available to address these issues with like-minded individuals and organizations as a community. 

The Transition Movement is comprised of over 600 vibrant, grassroots community initiatives around the world that seek to build community resilience in the face of such challenges as peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis. Transition Initiatives collaborate (not compete) with other sustainability and environmental groups, seeking to mitigate these converging global crises by engaging their communities in home-grown, citizen-led education, action, and multi-stakeholder planning to increase local self-reliance and resilience.

We are living in an age of unprecedented change, with a number of crises converging. Climate change, global economic instability, erosion of community, declining biodiversity, and resource wars, have all stemmed from the availability of cheap, non-renewable fossil fuels. Global oil production is predicted to irreversibly decline in the next years, and severe climate changes are already taking effect around the world. The coming shocks are likely to impose serious trials on our communities and families, so transition initiatives work to mitigate these risks in a positive manner.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Andrea McGimsey, Climate Reality Project
• "Climate Reality: Why Should We Care?"
• Capt. (Navy, ret.) Leo Goff, CNA Military Advisory Board
• "Energy Resources: A Matter of National Security"
• Stewart Schwartz Executive Director, Coalition for Smarter Growth
• Sustainable Land Use and Transportation Potential in Loudoun
• Will Stewart President, Sustainable Loudoun
• The Transition Initiative: What it is and Where We are Going…

Doors open Friday, Nov 30th at 6pm.

We will have refreshments and some local vendors in attendance.

Presentations begin at 7pm.

George Washington University, Loudoun Campus

20101 Academic Way, Ashburn VA

Sponsors: GW University, REHAU, Harris-Teeter, Corcoran Vineyards