Now is the time to change our way of living
The current pandemic is a truly shocking event. It has brought normal life to a virtual standstill as we look longingly for answers as to what the post Covid future might hold.
I believe we should use this time constructively to research every aspect of our lives. How we move from place to place, how we shape new developments, how we work and how we relate to one another are issues we can address to ensure our future communities are both strong and vibrant.
There are constant questions whizzing around in my head about these issues and I was intrigued recently, to read The World Happiness Report 2020, looking at models we could embrace for the future. Might such a report give clues as to how we might affect positive change?
In particular, there is a chapter entitled “The Nordic Exceptionalism”– explaining why the Nordic countries are constantly among the happiest in the world.
The report notes: “Firstly, the quality of institutions plays a key role in ensuring citizen happiness. Thus, minimising corruption and maximising citizen participation and representation in various decisions can help to ensure that institutions serve citizens and maintain their trust.
Democratic quality and factors such as free press, informed and educated citizens and strong civic society play an important role in keeping the government accountable and citizenoriented.
“On a cultural level, arguably the most important factor is to generate a sense of community, trust, and social cohesion among citizens. A divided society has a hard time providing the kind of public goods that would universally support each citizen’s ability to live a happier life.
“When people care about each other and trust each other, this provides a much more stable base on which to build public support for various public goods and welfare benefit programmes.”
“Thus building a government that is trustworthy and functions well, and culturally, building a sense of community and unity among the citizens are the most crucial steps towards a society where people are happy.”
The pandemic has put all these aspects into perspective. We have become acutely aware of how our surroundings affect our health and wellbeing.
We feel sad for those people deprived of their own garden, or even balcony. Green spaces have become prized. Temporary workstations on dining room tables and in corners of bedrooms have become the norm. We have come to enjoy seeing nature regaining a foothold in our polluted world.
What an opportunity there is then to build new communities, where foot and cycle travel is the mainstay of transport. Where shops, parks and public facilities are close at hand. Where we use natural resources wisely, and build new buildings with low carbon footprints. Where homes are designed to have dedicated workspaces, with good sound insulation away from the hubbub of home life.
Where housing developments are designed to encourage social interaction, rather than gated ghetto communities. Where elderly and young can coexist. Where high speed broadband is rolled out across the country to allow regeneration of dying rural communities.
I have a motto from a Nordic friend on my wall saying, ‘‘The time is always Now’’. Believe me, the time is now to make that change for the good of us all.