Never doubt that a small group of thoughful, committed citizesn can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Conserving energy as a community may seem hard to imagine but many communities have begun the process.  Working as a community to meet the needs and challenges of the future is crucial, so here's some advice and ideas to get you started.

The world is changing. Climate change and peak oil present great challenges – but equally they present great opportunities for sustainable development and the renewal of cultures and communities. An EDAP is a way to think ahead, to plan in an integrated, multidisciplinary way, to provide direction to local government, decision makers, communities and individuals with an interest in making the place they live into a vibrant and viable community in a post-carbon era. For more information on creating an EDAP check out www.transitionculture.org/2005/11/24/kinsale-energy-descent-action-plan/.

Community wind energy

How about setting up a community based wind turbine to provide the energy needs of your community or neighborhood? Community wind energy is generated by wind turbines that are at least partially owned by local landowners and other community members, and often take the form of wind turbine cooperatives, also known as wind energy cooperatives. Community wind co-operatives have operated through out the world since the late 20th century. Check out Wind-Works www.wind-works.org to get an idea about setting up a community wind farm. For local information on small scale wind turbine technology and processes visit the Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand website www.seanz.org.nz.

Join a Transition Town group or set one up

The Transition Towns movement evolved out of permacultur (www.permaculture.org.nz) as a natural progression of applying the principles at a community scale. Transition Town initiatives are bringing people together out of a desire to explore how we - and our communities - can respond to the twin challenges of climate change and peak oil. Transition Towns focus on community based solutions with hundreds of groups having been set up globally. Check out Transition Towns New Zealand to see if there is a group near you and to get ideas about setting one up www.transitiontowns.org.nz.