A global economist for HSBC recently warned that oil will last us less than 50 years, and called for government planning on a level not seen for 40 years. The Transition Movement has already begun planning.  It began in 2005 in Totnes in the UK with a vote by the town council to work toward energy independence and a sustainable future. The idea spread quickly. There are now over 300 communities recognized as official Transition Towns in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Italy and Chile.