There is a modern and innovative measurement that is used to scrutinize human well-being with ecological efficiency, and it is known as HPI. It examines happiness of people in respect to use of resources on a world level. The Happy Planet Index is the first of its kind to blend environmental effects with how well people are. It measures the environmental efficiency in various countries to extrapolate how happy people are, and how long they might live.
In July 2009, the second global HPI was published. However, the report shows that much have to be done to meet sustainable well-being. The report does also suggest an approach to help reaping a higher HPI.
It must be noted that the Index does not reveal the world’s “happiest” country. It does rather compile a relative figure showing how countries around the world are able to convert the natural resources of the earth into long and happy lives for their beloved citizens.
The countries that top in the “Happy Planet Index” should not be considered as the happiest places on earth. However, the countries that are ranking high in the Index demonstrate the ability to realize long and happy lives without the need of over-exploiting the world’s resources.
In order words, the HPI clearly demonstrates that in various corners of the world, a high depletion of resources does not necessary result in high level of well-being. Most interestingly, it does therefore, show that high levels of well-being can be achieved without stretching the consumption of resources on the planet. Well-being can thus be nurtured in various ways. The HPI model used in the West appears to provide life-satisfaction and longevity, but it achieves this only through a phenomenal use the world’s resources.
Evaluating the Global & European HPI
When using the HPI the very basic results are achieved. It shed lights on how much happiness and longevity is derived through the inputs (resources). The recent “global index” showed information of 143 nations, and it pinpointed that there is still a lot to be done. “A lot to be done” in respect to using less of earth’s resources in assure longer and happier lives. In other words, all countries can improve. There is actually no country in the world scoring surprisingly high in the index.
Another source compiled in 2007 is available to show the European countries’ HPI. It shows the carbon efficiency of the European countries.
Learning and Improving
All nations listed in the HPI can improve much. The index shows that some countries are better off in assuring long and happy lives. Yet, every nation has some obstacles and could perform better. There are clear trends showing that living happy and longer can be achieved by decreasing the environmental impacts.
Measuring well-being and happiness associated with the use of resources is already one way to identify areas of weakness.
The lasts Report on HPI can be downloaded. It includes some major strategies suggesting how countries can improve their Happy Planet Index.
Source: Happy Planet Index
Fri, Jul 16, 2010
Gerontology, Health And Aging