Quality of life – a sustainable way of achieving environmental and public health-related goals and ambitions? Thoughts and examples from Helsingborg, Sweden
Program for Quality of life • Biosphere = resources , • Economy = means , • Society = goal
Program for Quality of life 2016-2024 Adopted by the city council 2016-01-26 What is new? Environment ♥ Public health =
“How come we know so much about sustainable challenges and solutions, yet we are moving at such a slow pace?”
History: Environment = Public health The Swedish health statute, 1874 Top; Latrine, 1940’s Bottom; Latrine transport (also delivering fresh potatoes), 1971
Present: Ecological footprint In Helsingborg, 85% of the ecological footprint can be derived from personal choices and individual habits* 2,9 planets *primarily consumption of household energy, food, and means of transport
The program for Quality of Life
Postulates: 1. The program should gather relevant international , national and regional policies and put them in a local context . 2. The program should consist of political ambitions and prioritized questions , derived from areas where the municipality can improve conditions the most, or areas where Helsingborg is falling behind . 3. The program should not include measurable goals , allotted activities or set timeframes . 4. The program should include not only the municipality ’s administration, but aim to include the citizens and businesses of Helsingborg.
Approach
Sweden - the world’s best country!..?
The local context: Only 9 of Sweden’s 290 municipalities have a higher rate of children growing up in poverty than Helsingborg (approximately 15%)
The local context: 98% of the energy in our district heating system comes from renewable or recycled sources
New Mapping is easy: territory
Knowledge ≠ Action …?
From global to individual – no easy leap EMPOWERMENT
Assumption: “What empowers people the most is a feeling of being in control of one’s own life and the circumstances affecting it, with the end goal of being able to have a good quality of life.”
Quality of life = Sustainability …!
Focus on the individual – spark an interest WANTS NEEDS ♥
What is quality of life?
“Quality of life is an individuals’ perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value system in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations and standards and concerns. It is a broad ranging concept affected in a complex way by the person’s physical health, psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, and their relationship to salient features of their environment” (WHO)
The municipal arena – equal access ♥
Content
Diversity Occupation Warm welcome Homes
Knowledge Gender equality Everyone’s participation Children & Youth
Security Lifelong activity Healthy life Senses choices
Sustainable travel Valuable Context relationships Ecological footprint
Biological diversity Long-term responsibility Contact/ inclusion Circular economy
Where are we now?
Empowered organization Social Ambassadors media New knowledge
Quality of life team
Conclusion
Conclusion • This program and approach is a process of change, where people move at different paces. • We can’t stop the process; our organization is bustling with good examples, innovative ideas and new approaches to old challenges. • Quality of life has proved to be a platform where everyone can meet and act. • We feel confident that we are on the path to empowerment and a more sustainable development.
More quality of life! www.livskvalitet.helsingborg.se @livskvalitethbg helen.wiklund@helsingborg.se Teamleader program for Quality of life
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