Worldwide societal problems such as mass unemployment, growing social disparities, public and private poverty, social exclusion, environmental destruction and the evidence of climate change are increasing and becoming ever more visible. They require urgent and sustainable long-term solutions. Eco-Social Transformation and Community-Based Economy provides a transdisciplinary conception of community based socially productive approaches to eco-social transformation and sustainability. It introduces interdisciplinary discourses, basic theoretical concepts, participatory and community-based research, development strategies and practical prospects and considers them in the context of both eco-social transformation and eco-social work, especially with disadvantaged groups. With case studies that demonstrate the creative power of local embeddedness, diversity and cooperation, this book presents integrative local approaches as convincing examples of possible ways forward. It will be of interest to all scholars, students and activists working in community development, social development, social work and human geography.

Worldwide societal problems such as mass unemployment, growing social disparities, public and private poverty, social exclusion, environmental destruction and the evidence of climate change are increasing and becoming ever more visible. They require urgent and sustainable long-term solutions. Eco-Social Transformation and Community-Based Economy provides a transdisciplinary conception of community based socially productive approaches to eco-social transformation and sustainability. It introduces interdisciplinary discourses, basic theoretical concepts, participatory and community-based research, development strategies and practical prospects and considers them in the context of both eco-social transformation and eco-social work, especially with disadvantaged groups. With case studies that demonstrate the creative power of local embeddedness, diversity and cooperation, this book presents integrative local approaches as convincing examples of possible ways forward. It will be of interest to all scholars, students and activists working in community development, social development, social work and human geography.

Cities in Transition focuses on the sustainability transitions initiated in 40 European cities. The book presents the incredible wealth of insights gathered through hundreds of interviews and questionnaires. Four key domains-local energy systems, local green spaces, local water systems and local labour markets-have been the focus of the field research investigating local potentials for social innovation and new forms of civil society self-organisation. Examining the potential of new organizational frameworks like co-operatives, multi-stakeholder constructions, local-regional partnerships and networks for the success of such transitions, this book presents the key ingredients of a sustainable urban community as a viable concept to address current global financial, environmental and social challenges. Crucial reading for academics and practitioners of urban planning and sustainability in Europe, Cities in Transition is an innovative roadmap for sustainability in changing cities.

Cities in Transition focuses on the sustainability transitions initiated in 40 European cities. The book presents the incredible wealth of insights gathered through hundreds of interviews and questionnaires. Four key domains-local energy systems, local green spaces, local water systems and local labour markets-have been the focus of the field research investigating local potentials for social innovation and new forms of civil society self-organisation. Examining the potential of new organizational frameworks like co-operatives, multi-stakeholder constructions, local-regional partnerships and networks for the success of such transitions, this book presents the key ingredients of a sustainable urban community as a viable concept to address current global financial, environmental and social challenges. Crucial reading for academics and practitioners of urban planning and sustainability in Europe, Cities in Transition is an innovative roadmap for sustainability in changing cities.