A few months ago I was asked to describe Alexis Rowell in one word. The word I came up with was Rottweiler! When he gets his teeth into an idea or into you he just doesn't let go! That's really important for a subject like climate change and the environment. Too many of us profess great concern about the environment as long as we don't have to do something; as long as we don't have to change our life style. In this book Alexis shakes councillors like me out of complacency. Can we do anything about the polar ice caps? By ourselves - no. But if we all did our bit then there would be major changes in environmental activity and some of those things that are going so desperately wrong would be changed. It's at council level, where we engage with people on a daily basis, that we can talk to people, explain to people and get them involved in the eco-movement. This book doesn't tell us how to do it. It show's us how to do it. It's crammed with good practice, it overflows with enthusiasm from Alexis and all those people he talks about within it. This book is not just a good read its a good starting point for any councillor who know that they 'should do something' but just don't know where to start. Cllr Richard Kemp, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Local Government Alexis Rowell is an inspiring figure who has done a huge amount to make local government more sustainable. This excellent book distills all his detailed knowledge and on-the-ground experience and will prove an invaluable resource for any green-minded councillor or community group. Duncan Clark, 10:10 / The Guardian "The preachig holier-than-thou nature which many associate with climate change is noticeable absent from this book and it is evident that Rowell and others like him have made inroads into changing local authorities' view of climate change and peak oil." Ham & High - 5 November 2010 "Communities, Councils and a Low Carbon Future is an indispendable guide to what councils do, what they could do and how to get in there and make a difference." Positive News - Winter 10/11 "Alexis Rowell has written what is liely to become the bible for community-council joint action. If you wamt to get seriously stuck into this, Communities, Councils and a Low Carbn Future is jam-packed full of useful information, inspiration and advice." The Ecologist

Alexis Rowell was appointed Camden Eco Champion and Chair of the councilis all-party Sustainability Task Force. He is also a member of Transition Belsize. Alexis has his own eco-political blog n www.ecocouncillor.org.uk.

Foreword by Rob Hopkins. Introduction. Vision of a Transition Council. Benefits to both sides. Levers of power. Energy efficiency. Energy generation. Planning. Procurement. Waste & recycling. Transport. Food. Water. Biodiversity & green spaces. Wellbeing n using indicators that measure resilience, ecological footprint and happiness. Changing a local authority from the inside n what do you need to do? Getting elected.