Transition towns/ Bristol pound CS - GLOBALISATION

Question 1

What is a transition town?

Answer 1

It is a community project that tries to promote sustainability in response to globalisation.

Question 2

An ex of a transition town

Answer 2

Totes in Devon was the worlds first transition town in 2006 but now there are 1000 towns in 50 countries.

Question 3

Context on transition towns

Answer 3

-Transition away from global economy which harms sustainability and local community towards the local economy which boost sustainability and local community.
-Towns try to reduce consumption, waste and fossil fuels dependence and use local goods and services.
-It is sustainable as locally they get lots of money returning. This can be seen in the Bristol pound where £1.8 million was returned to the people through local shops etc., rather than the money being sent off to offshore investors.

Question 4

Case study: The bristol pound

Answer 4

• The Bristol pound was a currency introduced in 2012 just for the Bristol area. -It aims to encourage people to send money on local, independent businesses rather than TNCs as the currency can only be spent locally.

Question 5

Benefits of the Bristol pound

Answer 5

-reduces transportation of goods and pollution
-reduces demand for TNCs goods exploiting workers and the environment in LICs ( low income countries)
-promotes self sufficiency, local cohesion and boosts local economy ( multiplier effect)

Question 6

Costs of the Bristol pound

Answer 6

• consumers face higher prices as TNCs can better local businesses
• It can be seen as exclusive and by reducing demand for TNC products may harm employment and economic growth in LICs.
  -Some products efficiently produced elsewhere.