Transformative Cities, a project launched by a group of international organisations including Friends of the Earth International, the Transnational Institute (TNI), Right to the City platform and RIPESS, has recently published an Atlas of Utopias which shows that “change is happening”, Sam Cossar-Gilbert told Real World Radio.

Cossar-Gilbert coordinates Friends of the Earth International’s work on economic justice and resisting neoliberalism, and is also a part of the Atlas’ evaluator team.

For him, the Atlas of Utopias is a way to share knowledge and bring attention to inspiring initiatives all around the world. It’s a “telescope for change,” he said. The Atlas features initiatives ranging from women leading sustainable energy projects – like PENGON’s work in Palestine – to the “Our Water Our Right” campaign in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Atlas also includes projects like the Earthworker Cooperative in Australia, the Campaign for housing, community organising and hope from the Homeless Workers’ Movement (MTST) in Brazil, and the Transition City Initiative by the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance in the USA.

The cases show how public solutions based on principles of cooperation and solidarity rather than competition and private profit have been more successful in meeting people’s needs and protecting our planet.

“We urge you to show support for the most inspiring initiatives by voting in the People´s Choice Award”. The vote is open until 9 October 2019 here: https://transformativecities.org/2019award/