As an observer of the Think Tank event at Schumacher College, I can say that the future of "green economics" is very promising.It is not commonplace for economists from all over the world with an astonishing academic background to discuss the drawbacks of the modern approach to money making and its effects on the world ecological situation.This is what made the Think Tank event so unique and outstanding.

It is obvious for everyone that something has to be done in order to preserve our planet from complete destruction,however few of us actually do something. Even so, individual activity alone cannot save the planet.Something has to be done about the activities of multinational companies that are harmful to the environment.This essentially means "treating nature as a living person" and bringing "spirit into the economy" (terms commonly used at the Think Tank). We should distinguish "economics" from the "pursuit of profit" , providing better life conditions from human greed, money making from production process.

The actual discussion of these problems and an attempt to provide solutions is a great step forward in improving our world.Even though the effects of global warming are advancing on us,the Think Tank event showed that there are people who are aware of the dreadful economic and ecological situation we are in and are willing to get us out of it.

As an LSE external student,who does her BSc in Economics, I found this event very helpful in increasing my interest and awareness of the ecological situation in the world. I had to overlook some of my views on the philosophy of modern economy and I am looking forward to do some background reading to increase my knowledge of the links between economics and ecology. As a person who was born and currently lives in Russia, I hope that someday a similar event could be held there. I believe that the beginning of these discussions worldwide will be the first step in changing the present ecological and economic situation.

Valeria Eapen

!7.11.2007