Happy Planet Index Reveals Uneven Progress Toward Climate Goals

A new global report ranks countries on wellbeing that doesn't cost the planet too much, combining life expectancy, self-reported happiness, and how much of the Earth's resources people use. Costa Rica topped the list this year, pairing a longer life expectancy than the U.S. with high reported happiness and only moderate resource use. Spain came in fourth, with the lowest resource footprint in Western Europe and strong health outcomes. Guatemala, Colombia, Mexico, and Germany also scored well. The U.S. ranked 105th out of 134 countries, reflecting the outsized environmental cost of American lifestyles despite high income. The report's authors argue that wealth (measured as GDP) doesn't track well with genuine wellbeing—some of the richest countries, including the U.S., score poorly because of how much they consume and pollute.

One notable finding: people with lower-carbon habits, like eating less meat and walking or biking more instead of driving, reported better life satisfaction and longer lives than people with high-carbon lifestyles. That challenges the idea that living lighter on the planet means giving up comfort. The report also found that women tend to have smaller footprints than men, especially in diet and transportation, and that countries led by women tend to score higher on this wellbeing index.

None of this changes any home energy program or rebate, but it's a reminder that the choices behind efficient, lower-carbon living—like the upgrades this site tracks—line up with what research says makes people happier and healthier, not less comfortable.