Fifteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

At the same time as we are urged to increase our consumption to maintain economic growth, the earth is facing unsustainable development. Resource depletion, environmental challenges, and climate change are some of the many negative consequences of our increased consumption. Gross National Product (GNP) is a key variable when countries “success” is measured. However, research shows that increased consumption and GNP growth, is not correlated with happiness in the long run. In this study I present and compare key models for measuring happiness and wellbeing (for example World Happiness Report, Happy Planet Index, Gross National Happiness etc.). Common for these measurement tools is that they have emerged from developed counties, and developed counties also get the highest score. The Nordic countries are on the top of several of the best known happiness measurements schemes. However, does this prove that people in the Nordic countries are happier that people in Africa (which are on the bottom of most of these scales)? In this study the variables in key happiness and wellbeing measurement tools are evaluated and revised by representatives in Tanzania. A revised and new survey for measuring happiness and wellbeing was developed. This revised model is tested in both Tanzania and Norway.