about the e4 declaration

Schumacher College, a forward-thinking place of learning on the Dartington Hall Estate in Devon, invited a group of leading economists, activists and thinkers to address the current fourfold economic crisis. The e4 declaration is the collaborative outcome of this Think Tank's discussions.

The interwoven connections of our global problems were recognised. We face crises not only of the economy, but also of the environment, of inequity throughout society, and perhaps most importantly in the application of our ethics. Indeed it is becoming increasingly obvious that our economy's single-minded quest for maximum financial return is a primary cause of these other crises we now face.

The declaration is not written by a special interest group. It is not party political. In contrast, it has emerged from a grounded understanding of the problems and a common sense approach to addressing them, based on what are commonly held values. As such it is hoped to have broad appeal across society.

While it is highly distressing that everyone will feel negative effects from the current situation, with the world awake to the need for change and with some manner of reform inevitable, there will never be a better opportunity to establish an economic system that can equitably and sustainably serve all people.

Our politicians are not considering all the possibilities; the nature of their own system meaning that they try to protect the established ways. As a society we have the wherewithal to develop a dramatically different economy. We must show our leaders what economy we want to have.

background information

The first Economics Think Tank at Schumacher College was convened in November 2007 to explore practical ways of addressing the incompatibility of solving the environmental crisis while perpetuating the prevailing global economy. The weighty discourse informed the participants’ work in the following year (Tudge, C, Schumacher College 2008).

The second Think Tank, in November 2008, came as the global and national financial systems had fallen into turmoil (predicted by members of the first Think Tank) and the effects were inevitably beginning to hit the 'real' economy. Around the world, many shocked economists and politicians asserted that capitalism and free market theory had failed, while previously uninformed members of the public began to realise the absurdity and injustice of the system.

The Think Tank endorsed the urgent need for a 'Green New Deal' but also recognised that a deeper transformation was required to develop a just and truly sustainable economy. This, along with the current financial turmoil, provided the impetus to produce The E4 Declaration.

The Green New Deal is the first report of the Green New Deal Group of economists, published by nef (the new economics foundation) in July 2008, containing a set of proposals in response to the 'triple crunch' of climate change, energy prices and the credit crunch. Its name takes inspiration from former US President Franklin Roosevelt's 'New Deal' - the economic reform package rapidly implemented to lead the US out of the great depression of the early 1930's.

A Green New Deal proposes the steps now needed for economic reform, creating jobs by investment in the green energy industry, reducing both our reliance on fossil energy and our greenhouse gas emissions. Acceptance of the need for this kind of approach is spreading rapidly, as highlighted by the recent calls for it by the UK Environment Agency, and the United Nations.

US President-Elect Obama, too, is already talking along similar lines of stimulating the economy with green investment, being referred to as the 'New New Deal'.

about this site

This website has been established to allow people easy access to the E4 Declaration around the world, and as a place where people can show their support for the adoption of its principles and policies. By signing up you will add weight to the Declaration.

If you support it then send the Declaration to as many people as possible, people you know, your government leaders at local, national and international level.

The E4 Declaration shows what can be achieved in a short time but it is of course only the start of the necessary work. Its collaborative beginnings can be built upon by welcoming comments on this site which help to develop the principles and policies within the Declaration. As well as the whole Declaration, each of the three sections can be commented on. There is plenty to discuss, explain and expand. There are several major areas of human activity which need to be addressed, for example transport, health and education. The better supported and discussed the Declaration becomes, the easier it can be developed.

Over time the site will also include more details about the points made in the Declaration and why they are important. In the meantime, if you have questions please contact us.