Progress for Humanity – and the Planet

Thirty years ago, the UN started measuring the well-being of the people living in different countries by an annual Human Development Index. It measures a nation’s health, education, GDP and standards of living. In this year’s Human Development Report, two more elements have been added to the index: carbon dioxide emissions and material footprint. That means that the well-being of nature is measured alongside the well-being of humans. 

“Humans wield more power over the planet than ever before. In the wake of COVID-19, record breaking temperatures and spiraling inequality, it is time to use that power to redefine what we mean by progress, where our carbon and consumption footprints are no longer hidden,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator.

The best countries for humans to live in, are not necessarily the best countries for nature – or for future generations. With the new index, many countries drop out the top of the list, reflecting their dependence on fossil fuels and material footprint. 

For example, Norway, ranked as number one last year, has dropped to number 16. On the 2020 Index, Ireland is ranked as number 1, with Switzerland and number 2 and the UK at number 3. Countries like Costa Rica, Moldova, and Panama move upwards on the Index, recognizing that lighter pressure on the planet is possible.

“The Human Development Report is an important product by the United Nations. In a time where action is needed, the new generation of Human Development Reports, with greater emphasis on the defining issues of our time such as climate change and inequalities, helps us to steer our efforts towards the future we want,” said Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister of Sweden, host country of the launch of the report earlier this week.