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natural places, promotion of biodiversity, and other crucial work at the local level will be rendered meaningless if we cannot stave off the worst consequences of climate change. As members of the world community, we will have to deal with challenges involving food security, human health, and scarce resources. Humanity is beginning to respond to the unprecedented transition from the industrial era to the era that is to follow. Local governments and communities can address the challenge and opportunity of the transition and specifically reducing greenhouse gases in a number of creative ways. The 2014 Orange County State of the Environment4 report provides a similar message: "A report focused on Orange County alone also risks underemphasizing global climate change, the most pressing environmental threat we face. Our use of fossil fuels here, whenever we start a car engine or run our air conditioners, adds to the accumulation of carbon in the atmosphere that is rapidly destabilizing our climate. In 2012, leading climate activist and writer Bill McKibben summarized how close we are to reaching the limits of our carbon budget: Scientists estimate that humans can pour roughly 565 more gigatons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by midcentury and still have some reasonable hope of staying below two degrees [Celsius] increase in global temperature. ( "Reasonable," in this case, means four chances in five, or somewhat worse odds than playing Russian roulette with a six - shooter) .... Reaching or surpassing that two degree rise in average global temperatures risks catastrophic consequences for our ability to grow food, maintain access to drinking water, and generally perpetuate human civilization as we now know it." What we're for is leaving behind the current energy economy, which is wasteful, polluting, and centralized, assumes perpetual growth; and is anchored by nonrenewable fuels. We envision a bold leap toward a future energy economy that fosters beauty and health; that is resilient because it emphasizes renewable, community -scale energy generation; that supports durable economies, not growth; and that is informed by nature's wisdom.' The previous section presents a stark, sobering, and ominous picture and one that we all need to acknowledge and recognize. However, only laying out the danger associated with climate change neglects humanity's capacity, ingenuity, and adaptability. It also can be counterproductive by effectively triggering a "fight and flight" response, or being received as a judgment for denial and lack of action. The reality of climate change also presents tremendous opportunity for transition to living in a more satisfying, resilient, and connected community that is less reliant on fossil fuels. 6 In addition, some measures are often necessary and /or more effective at the municipal /community level than at other levels. This plan is intended to inspire this community and others to accelerate and ramp up efforts, and begin to make significant reductions in the level of climate- changing gases now being produced. 4 htY.:.: .... /./ ............................................................ g......................................... Y.. ................g.cv/.. .ccaAirr+int c +int �.t >Ap./0........2: .................................................................................. ....... ....:....................... 591 .... .........c2r.7 .. .. U .. .........t U .d.. ......ir....t.......... ..f.......i..r .. 5 rlhe E..in +:: it I� +:: <a� +:: ir: Cyv +:: irk +:: v +:: Ilc� . irr7 +:: int <ain� tlh +:: f.: > +:: IIa�.Siic�in c�i f::in�ll +::.S.� Circ��uY:lh Tom Butler Daniel Lerch and George ................................................. gk.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ............................... g Wuerthner, eds. (Healdsburg, CA: Watershed Media, 2012) 61ht�: iS...hi c .h..i c. +5 +cc.r.i.<i.i.n......5 .... ......c.........i...i.r. .........<......t .....+ ................ <a.5...e ......... .h.t.S ........................c........................................ .......... .... ....... actiiqin a .A in. iit +:::d 3