A GREEN movement is sweeping across the borough as it lends itself to the initiative to tackle climate change.
Community stalwarts in Ealing, London and beyond working on the future challenges of peak oil and climate change are aiming to raise awareness and membership of the group.
Ealing Transition believes people need to reimagine the way food is sourced, how buildings are designed, how energy is generated and that a sustainable future is possible if we plan for it now.
Grant Venner, a convenor of Ealing Transition, said the movement has neither a political nor a religious agenda, but is a pragmatic response to the imminent issues of climate change.
"We don't want to alarm people or be doom-mongers but what we are trying to say is that climate change dictates a community response," said Mr Venner, 42.
"The average person doesn't think about how this will affect their lives so the transition movement has been born out of how we can adopt changes now rather than facing energy shortages later.
"Transition towns put a focal point around these issues and encourage people to share skills, discuss low energy use, self-reliance in areas such as food, energy, jobs and the economy, and motivate people to change accordingly.
"Targets have been set at a UK level to reduce carbon emissions by 80per cent by 2050 and, at a micro-level, we can make people aware of the changes they can make without expanding massive amounts of energy."
Nic Ferriday, a campaigner for Ealing Friends of the Earth, said: "Everyone needs to be involved and transition towns are getting more active; we need as many people on board as possible.
"The carbon emissions from Ealing are very large and action must be taken; a lot of people know that their lifestyle will have to change but they try not to think about it. "If oil prices go up, it might deter people but not as fast as its use needs to be deterred.
"There needs to be a combination of political leadership on a national and local level to make people aware of the problems facing us in the future."
Ealing Transition already has more than 200 members. It is holding its first major event tomorrow (Saturday) - Local food: setting the agenda for Ealing's food future.
It will address issues of seasonal produce, food miles, growing, environmental sustainability and food security.
Guests are invited to St Mary's Church Hall, St Mary's Road, Ealing, from 10.30am to 4pm. Please book by calling 020 8746 0213 or visiting www.ealingtransition.org.uk
