Determining the Relationship Between Happiness and Environmental Sustainability at the International Level

This study investigates the relationship between national happiness levels and environmental protection efforts by comparing the World Happiness Index (WHI), and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Analyzing data from 135 countries, regression analysis revealed a strong, positive correlation between WHI scores and EPI scores, with statistical significance. These results suggest that countries with higher levels of environmental sustainability tend to report greater citizen happiness. While a direct causal link cannot be established, the findings imply that effective environmental protection correlates with enhanced life satisfaction. The correlation may reflect a shared sense of security and well-being tied to environmental efforts. Further research is needed to explore specific factors within these indices that contribute to this relationship and determine any causal links. This study contributes to the broader understanding of how environmental quality impacts human happiness and underscores the importance of sustainability in enhancing life satisfaction globally.