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.