We produced this book, and a series of stories, as the Transition movement’s contribution to COP21 (the 21st ‘Conference of the Parties’), the United Nations’ climate change negotiations in Paris in December 2015.

We invited Transition groups to send us the stories they’d like us to share. From those, we selected the stories that make up this book. They represent the experiences of people from all around the world who have stepped up. We offer these 21 stories in the hope that regardless of decisions taken by world leaders, at COP21 and subsequently, they will inspire you to step up too.

We hope also that this powerful and heady taste of what is bubbling up from the ground will enthuse decision-makers with new courage, new ideas and new possibilities.

Something brilliant and historic is already underway, and our message to the Obamas, Camerons and Merkels of this world is that it’s already happening without them, and they need to support and enable it, but even if they do nothing, it will continue to grow, because it’s the future.

The future is being written now, and these stories offer inspiration and clear direction, whether you’re reading this before, during or after the talks in Paris.

Rob Hopkins, Transition Network
October, 2015