Happier and greener? The relationship between subjective well-being and environmental performance
International Journal of Social Economics
ISSN: 0306-8293
Article publication date: 17 August 2021
Issue publication date: 28 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate, at a national scale, how self-reported happiness varies with the different levels of environmental conditions resulting from national policies, while also considering different levels of freedom.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors estimated the effects of environmental performance on happiness using the log-log regression model presented.
Findings
Environmental performance is shown to have a direct impact on happiness. Nonetheless, the explanatory influence of freedom is only significantly positive for free countries, where the institutional and political arrangements are better established and thereby the effective democracy is more solid.
Originality/value
This article offers insights into happiness levels within the context of the current clamour for environmental protection and more sustainable development goals.
Keywords
Citation
Toigo, C.H. and de Mattos, E.J. (2021), "Happier and greener? The relationship between subjective well-being and environmental performance", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 48 No. 12, pp. 1697-1717. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-01-2021-0008
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited