Research on planetary well-being provides direction for international sustainability work

In a recently published work entitled “Envisioning and Evaluating Our Contributions to Planetary Well-Being through the Lens of the Earth Charter” 30 writers from different backgrounds, fields of science and regions examine how countries and institutions can measure their contribution to planetary well-being with the values and principles of the Earth Charter. At the heart of the book is a publication on planetary well-being by the JYU.Wisdom.

- It is fantastic to see that our work to improve planetary well-being is attracting international attention and becoming part of the global agenda. Our research has been highlighted in the book, which includes direct quotes from our article. This confirms that we are playing a significant role in shaping the future of sustainability and global well-being. These are issues that are genuinely important to us, such as shared responsibility and new ways of securing our planet for future generations, says one of the article's authors, Research Coordinator, Mikael Puurtinen from the University of Jyväskylä.

Inspiration from JYU.Wisdom – towards overall well-being

The book emphasizes the need to determine what planetary well-being really means. The book draws on an article by a group of researchers from the University of Jyväskylä, which explores definitions of well-being in different studies and scientific disciplines. As a concept, planetary well-being recognizes the value of the well-being of both humans and other forms of nature for their own sake.

- Questions about the well-being of the planet are not just scientific concepts. They challenge us to think about what kind of world we want to live in and what kind of legacy we will leave for future generations. This new field of research opens doors to hypotheses and solutions that can change the way we think about nature, resources and each other. It's not just about protecting the environment and nature. It's about holistic well-being that respects the value of human and non-human life. This work paves the way for a sustainable future and our shared home, which we cannot replace, says Director of JYU.Wisdom Janne Kotiaho from the University of Jyväskylä. 

International actors behind the book

The book "Envisioning and Evaluating Our Contributions to Planetary Well-Being through the Lens of the Earth Charter" was published by the University of Peace, which was founded by the United Nations in 1980, the UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development and Earth Charter International. The UNESCO Chair is network of universities around the world supports UNESCO’s work in education, the natural and social sciences, culture and communication, to help address pressing challenges and contribute to the development of their societies. The Earth Charter is an international declaration of fundamental values and principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society. 

Planetary well-being also highlighted in another significant publication 

The work of University of Jyväskylä on planetary well-being also has a central role in the book “Development in the Anthropocene: The tough task of working towards planetary well-being with low-income households” published by the University of Johannesburg. The book's 29 researchers from seven different universities outline new approaches to promoting a good life and a better future.