tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524070301101240472.post8849327219839046797..comments2023-09-28T08:13:11.489-07:00Comments on Only In It For The Gold: Transition Towns: Mostly HarmlessMichael Tobishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08229460438349093944noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8524070301101240472.post-52683181586018742052009-10-31T05:41:27.724-07:002009-10-31T05:41:27.724-07:00Hello - got here via RealClimate. Interesting post...Hello - got here via RealClimate. Interesting post: I'm struggling with modelling the question of trade-offs between 'local' and 'global' as part of my PhD - there's a dearth of good analysis of this hugely important issue. The best stuff I've seen is very abstract Krugman-esque models, asking "how does agglomeration come about?" and varying two main parameters to answer: transport costs and economies of scale. However, the pre-math economic geography stuff is still best for getting some intuitive insight into the issue - not mathematical but very empirical. For example, I recommend getting hold of a 2nd hand copy of this very accessible book:<br /><br />Edgar M. Hoover, The Location Of Economic Activity (Mcgraw-Hill Book Company Inc, 1948).<br /><br />I share your concerns over localism, particularly the sense that some people are egging on a future they really won't like when it arrives. People seem to forget that e.g. the European Union was an economic project specifically designed to end centuries of war by tying people together economically. We really, really don't want to lose that. That said, there is scope for a balance - and there's a lot to be done to push 'localisation externalities' of the kind the transition movement seems to collectively want. Like most things in life, it's about a (somewhat boring) middle way.<br /><br />Interested to note the different emphasis to Transition in the states. Definitely less survivalist in the UK, more Women's Institute Jam Making.<br /><br />I note you work on the 'optimal use of information.' I'm sort of amateurishly trying to think about informatin in my PhD. Would love to know what you thought about e.g. Stafford Beer vs Hayek's take in information I blog about here: http://www.coveredinbees.org/node/165Dolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17110810881843699172noreply@blogger.com