Chris Martenson's Crash Course

Recently, March 7th, as Chair of PCT I attended an event hosted by Dr. Derek Paul. (professor emeritus physics U of T.) Ten of us from a variety of disciplines were assembled to discuss a paper based on the necessity for reforming the basic tenets of economics. The upshot of the paper was straightforward and unarguable. I.e. The synthesis of neoliberal and Keynesian economics that today dominates both the profession and policy is insufficient to the task of dealing with resource depletion and environmental degradation.

This is a central challenge of our times and precisely what the 'Crash Course' by Chris Martenson takes on.

This course is a continuation of a long time effort that began in the intellectual tradition of the West with Dr. Tainter's postulation of 'Collapse Theory' in 1968, and the "Limits To Growth' thesis propounded in 1972.

As such this series by Transition Toronto and IRBE is part of a venerable intellectual tradition. What is also true is that none of these changes will occur overnight, and if they are to occur at all what will be required is a great deal of involvement by we the citizenry.

So get involved. As Josh Lyman said quite rightly in the TV series 'The West Wing': "Politics is decided by those that show up."

EVENT DESCRIPTION:

Tuesday, March 20, 6 pm - 9 pm

http://transitiontoronto.ning.com/events/crash-course-day-1-economy

Transition Toronto (TTo) and the Institute for Resource-Based Economy (IRBE) present Chris Martenson’s ‘Crash Course’ about the coming changes in our economy, environment and energy. The course provides information on why major change is inevitable, what will be possible and impossible in the future, and what we can do about it.

This first session covers our current economic realities and paradoxes, and discusses the difference between growth and prosperity. From this, we will see the importance of a focus on our prosperity and our communities' prosperity.

The remaining sessions (held on March 20th, 27th, and April 3rd) will cover energy and the environment, environmental solutions, and local community-based solutions to the enormous problems we face.

Chris Martenson is an experienced teacher and personal resilience consultant. He has made the instructional materials for his "Crash Course" available, and it is these materials (videos and activities), augmented with some of our own, that we will be drawing on to delivery this course. Of the course, and society, Martenson has said:

“It's very important to distinguish between facts, opinions, and beliefs. So let me be right upfront about this. I hold three beliefs, which I'm going to share with you and then spend the rest of our time showing you how I got to these beliefs.

The first is that the next twenty years are going to be completely unlike the last twenty years. Second, I believe that its possible that the pace and/or scope of change could overwhelm the ability of our key social and support institutions to adapt. Third, I believe we do not lack any technology or understanding necessary to build ourselves a better future."

We share this belief, that it is possible to build a better future with the tools we have in hand. We only need your help with the building.

Each session is $10. Alternatively, all four sessions can be paid for at the outset for $35.

Details on future sessions are here:

Tuesday, March 27, 6 pm - 9 pm

Session 2 - Energy and Environment: http://transitiontoronto.ning.com/events/crash-course-day-2-energy-and-environment

Tuesday, April 3, 6 pm - 9 pm

Session 3 - Environment and Solutions: http://transitiontoronto.ning.com/events/crash-course-day-3-environment-and-solutions

Tuesday, April 10, 6 pm - 9 pm

Session 4 - Local Solutions: http://transitiontoronto.ning.com/events/crash-course-day-4-local-solutions

COST: $10 per session. $35 for all 4.