Prof. Dr. Saowalak Kittipraphat,
Association of International Research Networks for a Well-being Society (Irah)
and the Faculty of Economics University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
On this year’s International Day of Happiness One of the issues that the society wants society to realize and act quickly to increase people’s happiness is to conserve and increase the quality of the environment, which is an important factor for people’s health and well-being.
It is well known that our world today faces the problem of unsustainable development. Climate change which has many negative impacts on people. A global development agency by the United Nations has set the Sustainable Development Goals. Setting a timeline and plan to achieve carbon neutrality and net zero emissions (by 1987 and 2007 respectively), Thailand has joined these international commitments. Although the goal of achieving carbon neutrality and net zero emissions at the national level is slower than the world’s, by 2007 and 2022, respectively, it shows commitment to achieving it. these goals
There are many international research studies that confirm the importance of the natural environment to human quality of life and happiness. And realize the importance of protecting the environment, especially when we humans are exposed to climate risks. There is also research confirming the positive effects of green spaces on health and happiness. The more it affects the increase in the well-being of the residents. Therefore, the policy to increase green space in cities with a low ratio of green space. therefore it is important and is a policy issue for many cities
It is known that green space is very scarce in big cities. Bangkok as well According to the Asian Cities Green Index Survey (2012 by the Economic Intelligent Unit), Bangkok has one of the lowest green area per capita ratios in the world. But at the same time, men like Bangkok on the other side of the Chao Phraya River. There is a green area next to a large city. which can create a positive environmental impact for Bangkok. is Bang Kachao green area covering an area of almost 12,000 rai, including the territory of 6 sub-districts in Phra Pradaeng District, Province Samut Prakan This area is dubbed the lungs of Bangkok (by Times Magazine Asia in 2006), it produces a lot of oxygen and absorbs carbon. So trying to maintain a large green space near the city is also important. When creating new large green spaces, there may be many limitations, including various issues due to land issues. Sustainable maintenance of existing large green spaces should be an urgent priority for all parties. Before the large green area near this city gradually decreases if those involved in many sectors, different sectors, still do not take any action.
An international study found that environment and happiness are related. And green spaces make people happier. In a case study in Bang Kachao, Thailand, in 2018-19, the results of quantitative testing revealed that environmental quality affects the happiness of people in the community. At all levels of occupation, income, age, etc., no matter what group of people The environment is significantly important to happiness. In addition, a recent survey in March 2023 found that the environment is an increasingly important factor in happiness. More than half said happiness from green space was the highest (55%), and they were concerned that green space would decline at the highest level by almost 50%, a further 30%. % as shown in the graph below.
While the green area affects the happiness of the people in the community. It also has a positive impact on health and the environment for people outside the community, across borders, across provinces, as well as making a significant contribution to reducing carbon at low cost. This is in line with the country’s policy towards carbon neutrality and greenhouse gas reduction. But the Bang Kachao green area is in a state of concern that it is rapidly decreasing. Both the problems of poor water quality, high costs, livelihoods loss of land, etc. Society and relevant agencies should be aware of the conservation and increase the quality of this green area and others. to increase the happiness of the people as well as supporting the country’s goals and sustainable development, which is the direction of the world’s development.
References: References:
Kittiprapas, S. (2020) “Happiness Determinants in a Buddhist Community: Where Inner Happiness Matters” in Thammasat Review of Economic and Social Policy (TRESP), vol 6. No.1, p. 85-135.
Krekel and MacKerron (2020). How Environmental Quality Affects Our Happiness. 2020 World Happiness Report.
Marshall A. (2006). Best of Asia: Best Urban Oasis. Time (15 May 2006).
The Economist Intelligence Unit (2012). Asian Green City Index: Assessing the Environmental Performance of Asia’s Major Cities.
MacKerron, George and Mourato, Susana (2013) Happiness is greater in natural environments. Global environmental change.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (2012). Asian Green City Index: Assessing the Environmental Performance of Asia’s Major Cities.
Source: Thai News Agency