Lessons on leaving the world better than you found it | Sophie Howe

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This section introduces Wales as a progressive country that has legislated to protect the interests of future generations. It highlights the need for long-term thinking and decision-making that considers the well-being of future generations and the planet.

Protecting Future Generations

• Wales is the only country in the world to have legislation protecting the interests of future generations.

• An independent commissioner is appointed to oversee this protection.

• Government, politics, and economics tend to prioritize short-term gains over long-term well-being.

Changing Perspectives in Wales

• Wales aims to change this by passing a law that requires all public institutions to demonstrate their commitment to long-term goals.

• The decisions made by these institutions should not harm the interests of future generations.

• The government set seven national well-being goals based on input from a national conversation called "The Wales We Want."

Interconnections and Collaboration

• Institutions must recognize and work towards interconnections between different aspects of well-being, such as public health and environmental sustainability.

• Unusual collaborations are encouraged, such as hospitals working with botanical gardens or offices collaborating on solutions for childhood adversity.

Well-being Metrics

• Well-being should be measured across four pillars: social, economic, environmental, and cultural.

• Economic growth alone is not an adequate measure of success; progress towards well-being goals is prioritized in Wales.

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This section emphasizes making decisions that maximize contributions to well-being. It discusses how applying well-being metrics can lead to better choices. It also highlights the importance of holistic thinking and targeting projects towards addressing inequality.

Maximizing Contributions to Well-being

• Decisions should be made with a focus on maximizing contributions to overall well-being rather than just economic growth.

• Examples include investing in green jobs and energy efficiency measures targeted towards those furthest from the labor market.

Holistic Thinking

• Projects should be considered holistically, taking into account factors like carbon emissions and sustainable transportation.

• An example is considering how patients will travel sustainably to a hospital with solar panels.

Collaboration for Change in Cardiff

• In Cardiff, public institutions are required to work together to make a difference.

• Public health consultants have been seconded to lead transportation strategies, resulting in different solutions.

• Institutions are incentivizing sustainable travel among their employees and investing in cycling and walking infrastructure in areas with high air pollution and low life expectancy.

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This section focuses on specific actions taken in Cardiff to address air pollution, improve well-being, and create sustainable solutions. It highlights initiatives such as prescribing free bike hire for physical activity and incorporating nature-based solutions into infrastructure projects.

Addressing Air Pollution in Cardiff

• Cardiff faces challenges such as high levels of air pollution, long commutes, congested roads, and disparities in life expectancy.

• Public institutions are working together to tackle these issues through collaborative efforts.

Prescribing Physical Activity

• Doctors can issue prescriptions for free bike hire to encourage physical activity among individuals who would benefit from it.

Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions

• Cycling infrastructure projects incorporate sustainable drainage systems that benefit nature while addressing water management issues.

• These projects transform concrete areas into green spaces that prioritize sustainability and well-being.