2. Transition Towns: Past, Present and Future of Community-Led Change

Transition Towns: Past, Present and Future of Community-Led Change

For students and the general public

How can communities drive the transition towards more sustainable, just and resilient societies? What can we learn from nearly two decades of the Transition Towns movement, and what role can local communities, researchers and universities play in shaping its future? We are delighted to welcome Cristiano Bottone, one of the pioneers of the international Transition Towns movement, for an open seminar bringing together researchers, students and wider society.

Seminar
Date
3 Nov 2026
Time
17:00 - 18:30
Location
Room 220 in Annedalsseminariet, Seminariegatan 1A, Göteborg
Organizer
School of Global Studies

Founded in 2006, the Transition Towns movement has grown into an international network spanning 67 countries. It focuses on community-led responses to environmental and social challenges, including initiatives around local food systems, renewable energy, community economies and stronger social connections.

During the seminar, Cristiano Bottone will reflect on the past, present and future of the Transition movement, sharing experiences, achievements and challenges.

Elinor Askmar, representing the Transition Network in Sweden, will offer insights into the Swedish context.

Kim von der Heide, PhD researcher at the School of Global Studies, will reflect on the role of academia and research co-production in sustainability transitions, drawing on experiences from the Just Transition School.

The seminar will conclude with an open discussion on how communities, civil society and academia can collaborate to advance just and sustainable transitions, including the opportunities and challenges for community-led transition in Gothenburg.

The event is open to students, practitioners, researchers and everyone interested in community-led sustainability transformations.

For students at the:
School of Global Studies
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