Happier and greener? The relationship between subjective well-being and environmental performance

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.