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Over the past century we have become dependent on cheap, abundant, and convenient energy to fuel economic growth. It is likely that we have reached the inevitable decline of cheap oil. Although there is controversy about the date of Peak Oil, there is virtually no doubt or dispute that it will occur, and we are undeniably facing challenges related to energy and climate uncertainty.
We are at a critical juncture. If wise, we will ask the question: for all aspects of life that we need in order to sustain ourselves, how do we significantly increase resilience (to mitigate the effects of energy instability) and drastically reduce carbon emissions (to mitigate the effects of Climate Change)? The “re-localization” of Kaua`i is an opportunity to unite around the common goal of a sustainable Kaua`i where the `aina is healthy, people enjoy a high quality of life, the sense of community is strong, and culture is respected and perpetuated.
Communities across the globe are making decisions to re-localize, joining what has become a worldwide movement to reclaim control over resources and the decisions that most affect the community. Re-localization is, “a strategy to build societies based on the local production of food, energy and goods, and the local development of currency, governance and culture” (Relocalize.net). The main goals of re-localization are to increase energy security, to strengthen local economies, and to dramatically improve environmental conditions and social equity. Re-localization establishes a buffer for communities to deal with the impacts of energy and climate uncertainty on transportation and land use, food and agriculture, jobs, the economy, and public and social services.
Re-localization begins with knowing our community and where the goods we consume are coming from. What is the basis of our economy? Where is our food and electricity coming from? What was Kaua`i like 100 years ago? Where are we headed? By mapping Kaua`i’s economic, social, ecological, and cultural characteristics, we will be able to identify opportunities and constraints to re-localization.
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