Using the Happiness Framework as a Catalyst for the Green Transition

This chapter argues that the usage of the happiness framework is a way to overcome some of the dilemmas of the green transition. It explains how society’s focus on GDP as the metric of progress can be challenged by the science of happiness, which stresses the importance of non-material elements of life such as social and relational capital, work–life balance, mental health, and distributive justice. The happiness framework offers a new perspective on the green transition, showing that cutting on certain types of production and consumption that cause greenhouse gas emissions and unhappiness would generate benefit instead of harm. Additionally, cuts on certain segments of production and consumption would cause fewer welfare losses than what is predicted when GDP is considered as the metric of progress. Lastly, preserving nature can have a direct positive impact on the enjoyment of life, something that is not counted in GDP. This chapter suggests that the relevance of non-material dimensions for happiness is an opportunity for the green transition, because investing in such dimensions might compensate for some consumption losses imposed by the green transition, even if those losses are minimized by entrepreneurship focused on environmentally friendly technological change and circular economy mechanisms. Finally, this chapter emphasizes that the green transition is a global project that can only be successful if a large part of society is involved and engaged, with a focus on sustainability, equity, and well-being.