one.point.zero - Colin O'Brien's weblog

Happiness doesn’t cost the earth

The happy planet index rates European countries on their happiness-to-carbon output ratio.

Conclusions seem to show that even though our standard of living is marginally higher than in the sixties, consumption (and our per-capita carbon footprint) has increased dramatically while general happiness has dropped.

Belgium ranks 17th out of 30 countries while the Scandinavians hold the top positions.

The happy planet index rates countries based on life expectancy, human wellbeing and their ecological footprint. Industrial nations don’t do too well and the top rank goes to Vanuatu. Belgium sits at the 78th spot out of 178. The full report is here.

It's the frequency and not the intensity of positive events in your life that leads to happiness

Daniel Gilbert on feeling good