ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the notion of transition and how the concept has been used in a variety of urban contexts. It also demonstrates how transitions have and can be applied to cities and the urbanization process. The chapter describes the transition frameworks for understanding and managing urban dynamics. It then identifies the significant lessons learned from these studies and how a broader definition of urban will enhance research efforts. The chapter summarizes the definitions of the urban derived from transition theories. It highlights that the notion of transitions is a powerful tool to understand historic paradigmatic change in socio-ecological dynamics and trends. Transition research teaches us that meaningful change often takes along time, even despite the horrendous conditions that it may create. At the same time, it also provides for optimism, as historical evidence suggests that indeed transitions do occur, and there seems to be no reason why the society will not undergo a sustainable transition.
