Beyond GDP, World Happiness & Wellbeing Initiative

2021 Trends

TREND 1: Long-Termism

The long-term approach, seeing future generations as equally important as those living now. Taking inspiration from indigenous cultures considering seven generations when making decisions today. Prioritizing long-term thinking is a way forward to change our economy from an extractive model to a regenerational one.

TREND 2: Urban Regeneration

Incorporating living ecosystems into urban spaces are some of the most effective ways of future-proofing cities against the damaging effects of climate change. Envisioning biodiverse green urban cities wilder than forests is the way forward.

TREND 3: Soil Health Is Human Health

Thirty football fields of soil are lost every minute, mostly due to intensive farming; there are only about 60 years of topsoil remaining. Soil health affects everything from plant health to human wellbeing and the future of our planet.

TREND 4: Wellbeing Public Policy

As more research on how to measure wellbeing and happiness is available, increasing public wellbeing and happiness is becoming an apparent goal in public policy.

TREND 5: Genetics and Happiness

Molecular genetic studies are actively researched in the happiness arena. Recent research reports genetic influences (heritability) to account for 32–40% of the variation of overall happiness; the question is how to provide positive gene-environment matchmaking focusing on strengths, raising happiness as a platform in individuals and societies.