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Do country sustainability practices matter to happiness?

Author

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  • Chen, Pei-Fen
  • Chen, Mei-Ping

Abstract

This study pioneers a global, longitudinal analysis of how country-level ESG (environmental, social, and governance) metrics shape national happiness across 136 nations from 2006 to 2021. By examining both happiness and corruption perceptions as two opposite indicators, the research reveals that ESG impacts vary across income levels and quantiles, with low-income nations being less influenced, indicating that some infrastructures are more vital than ESG. Using quantile and panel threshold regression, the study uncovers asymmetric effects of ESG-related practices (e.g., land surface temperature, renewable energy output, internet, and access to electricity), and identifies nonlinear relationships—such as U-shaped and inverted U-shaped patterns—between ESG indices and happiness or corruption. These findings expose a “too-much-of-a-good-thing” phenomenon and reinforce the nuanced role of ESG in sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Pei-Fen & Chen, Mei-Ping, 2025. "Do country sustainability practices matter to happiness?," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:152:y:2025:i:c:s026499932500272x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2025.107277
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • O44 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Environment and Growth
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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