Be happy, not just rich, says UN chief Ban Ki-moon

[IDemo]

By Ian Johnston, msnbc.com

The world needs a new economic model based around “gross global happiness” rather than simply making money, according to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Ban, speaking at a meeting organized by the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan called “Happiness and Well-being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm”, said social and environmental factors should be considered, a statement posted on a United Nations website said.

“Gross National Product has long been the yardstick by which economies and politicians have been measured. Yet it fails to take into account the social and environmental costs of so-called progress,” Ban told at the meeting at U.N. headquarters in New York Monday.

“We need a new economic paradigm that recognizes the parity between the three pillars of sustainable development. Social, economic and environmental well-being are indivisible. Together they define gross global happiness,” he added.

http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/03/10995853-be-happy-not-just-rich-says-un-chief-ban-ki-moon

[surrealAmerican]

1. k & r

It's not all about money.

[hifiguy]

2. K&R

This is the truth and nothing but.

[raouldukelives]

3. Only when the last stream is dry.

"Yet it fails to take into account the social and environmental costs of so-called progress”

That's pretty much our problem. All these people thinking they are doing something worthwhile. Investing and pumping up corporate spreadsheets with waste. All they are really doing is adding to the pollution and suffering of those to come for a a little extra money today. As we now know the reality of climate change you can say they are literally stealing the life from the children of tomorrow. That is, you could say it about the people who recognize the reality of climate change. Maybe that is why so many don't. They would hate to have to realize all the pollution they caused in the name of profits is actually destroying what is the best about the world.