Local Energy Minimum?

[AbhayTiwari3D]

Can someone explain to me what the local energy minimum on page 88 of the course reader is. In the graph, I understand the activation energy and how the rxn is exergonic, but the local energy minimum is throwing me off. Thanks

[Austin Hyun 1F]

As far as I understand it, the local energy minimum is simply an indication of the minimum free energy level between the two transition states. The reason it is called the "local" energy minimum is because it is the lowest energy level between only these two states (in comparison to the global energy minimum). I'm not entirely sure, but this is my understanding of it; I hope it helps!