Leading to a well world - can we achieve wellbeing, environmental sustainability and economic growth?

Human health and wellbeing are intimately connected to the environments in which we live. But we know that our lifestyles over the last 150 years have led to climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation and sustainable resource use. We can’t carry on as we have over the last 150 years, but what should we do differently? As our population increases we need more jobs and a thriving economy. How then can we resolve the dilemma of ensuring that we live in a pleasant sustainable environment while also leading healthier, happier prosperous lives?

In this dilemma, the challenge is to come up with new ways of communicating the problems and offering innovative ways to over come them.

Lead academic: Professor Michael Depledge

Anchor academic: Dr Inmaculada Adarves-Yorno

Taster session

Date: 30 October

Time: 13:00 - 14:00

Location: Forum Auditorium

Description: In this session Edward Skidelsky, a well known commentator on BBC Radio 3 and best seller author of the book, How Much is Enough? Money and the Good Life, will give a taste of his inquiry theme “How much is enough?” He will present some research on the question “Does being richer than other people in your society make you happier?” and students are invited to conduct a thought-experiment together.

The Dilemma will be introduced by Michael Depledge (professor of Environment and Human Health). An interactive introduction to some of our inquiry questions will be offered and, finally, you will be invited to take part of a leading to a well-world student community.

Sign up: If you miss this session you can view it on ELE.

If you wish to pick this dilemma sign up through My Career Zone from 5^th November.  

Inquiry Groups

If you sign up for this dilemma, you will be working in groups focusing on one of the following areas below:

• What are the emerging threats and opportunities of our world in the future?

Investigating and predicting the potential future of our world.

Outputs: Horizon scanning / graphic design brief

• What is wellbeing?

Explore what wellbeing is and will investigate whether it is possible to generate a global wellbeing index

Output: Working with a well known health insurance company you will create a wellbeing index

• Is there such a thing as nature deficit disorder?

Students in this inquiry group will explore what the benefits are of connecting with the natural environment and will have the opportunity to explore local nature beauty spots.

Output: Presentation and experiential reflections

• Can actions against the environment be controlled using our laws?

Students in this inquiry group will explore whether actions against the environment and destruction of ecosystems could became illegal

Output: Staging a Mock trial

• Do we need to limit growth to ensure our future prosperity?

Students in this inquiry group will examine what “economic growth” is and whether it needs to be redefined or limited to ensure the prosperity of the world

Output: Podcasts/video

• How can business lead us to a well-world?

Students in this inquiry group will have the opportunity to explore the role of business in creating a better world

Output: Presentation

• How much is enough? The love of money and the case of good life

Students in this inquiry group will explore whether it is possible to reinvigorate society's ethical aspect and bring about the good life for everyone

Output: Commentaries on Video-diary

• How can individuals make a difference?

Students in this inquiry group will explore how individuals can make a difference and they will be invited to do so themselves. 

Outputs: Case studies presentation/video/reflective presentations