"Transition towns" began in the UK as local efforts to address climate change and energy issues at the local level. The following description from the Transition US website gives the broader vision of the effort:

"The Transition Movement is a vibrant, grassroots movement that seeks to build community resilience in the face of such challenges as peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis. It represents one of the most promising ways of engaging people in strengthening their communities against the effects of these challenges, resulting in a life that is more abundant, fulfilling, equitable and socially connected."