The Happy Planet Index

How can we create a better, happier and more sustainable future for everyone? Nic Marks, from the new economics foundation (nef), looks at solutions to the key problems we currently face. He discusses the measurement of wellbeing and the shortcomings of gross national product through to the politics of happiness and practical actions we can take in our lives and communities to increase well-being.

Less Stuff - More Happiness?

This is a great talk by writer and designer by Graham Hill who asks "Can having less stuff, in less room, lead to more happiness?" What do you think?


He also refers to his website lifeedited.org - have a look.

Our changing planet - ecosystem services

http://www.umac.org/ocp/videos/ecosystemServices.html

This site has an interesting video highlighting our dependence on ecosystem services. Explore the rest of the website too for relevant information about ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration.

The Laws of thermodynamics according to Flanders and Swann.

An entertaining way to learn about the Laws of thermodynamics.

Why do we need economic growth?

Follow the link http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7674841.stm

to read an interesting article about economic growth and let me know your views by commenting below.

Story of stuff

Welcome to my new Year 1 students. This 20 minute video sums up some of the key issues covered by Ecological Economics. Please do watch it and make any comments below. We will be discussing it in class.

Michael Pawlyn: Using nature's genius in architecture

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This is a rather inspiring talk about how nature provides us with ideas for a sustainable future.

"How can architects build a new world of sustainable beauty? By learning from nature. At TEDSalon in London, Michael Pawlyn describes three habits of nature that could transform architecture and society: radical resource efficiency, closed loops, and drawing energy from the sun".TED - Ideas worth spreading.