A new compass for real progress
Introduction
For decades, progress has been measured primarily through economic growth. Indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) have shaped political decisions, corporate strategies, and national ambitions. But as climate change accelerates, biodiversity declines, and social inequalities widen, a crucial question emerges: Does economic growth truly reflect wellbeing?
A recently published book by the Earth Charter International and numerous international contributors argues that it does not. Instead, it introduces the concept of planetary wellbeing — and calls for the development of a new index that can measure it at global, national, and local levels.
In January, the book was presented during an event organized by Earth Charter Collective, The Netherlands, Nyenrode Business University, and Worldconnectors. The message was clear: if we want a livable future, we need a new way of defining and measuring progress.
What is Planetary Wellbeing?
Planetary wellbeing is rooted in the principles of the Earth Charter — a global declaration of ethical values that emphasizes respect for nature, human dignity, social justice, and peace. It provides a moral foundation for rethinking our relationship with the Earth and with each other.
Unlike GDP, which focuses solely on economic output, planetary wellbeing takes a holistic perspective. It recognizes that human wellbeing is inseparable from the health of the planet. A flourishing society cannot exist on a degraded Earth.
Planetary wellbeing therefore integrates:
- Ecological integrity — healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, climate stability
- Social equity — fairness, inclusion, human rights
- Economic responsibility — systems that operate within planetary boundaries
- Good governance — long-term thinking, accountability, and participation
Rather than treating environmental and social impacts as “externalities,” planetary wellbeing embeds them into the core of decision-making. Nature, climate, and community are no longer side considerations — they become structural pillars of prosperity.
This shift has profound implications. If societies organize around planetary wellbeing, competition over scarce resources may give way to cooperation. Conflict may be reduced as equity improves. Economic systems would serve life, rather than the other way around.
Measuring What Truly Matters
A key ambition of the book is the development of a Planetary Wellbeing Index — a measurement framework that could complement or even replace GDP.
Such an index would:
- Capture ecological health alongside economic indicators
- Measure social cohesion and human wellbeing
- Reflect long-term sustainability rather than short-term growth
- Be applicable at global, national, and local levels
The challenge now is institutional. Who will take responsibility for developing and implementing such an index? Just as international institutions currently calculate and standardize GDP, a similar collaborative effort is needed to establish planetary wellbeing as the new benchmark for progress.
A Call to Action
Planetary wellbeing is not an abstract ideal. It is a practical necessity in a world facing ecological limits and social fragmentation.
We can each contribute to this transition:
- Policymakers can broaden success metrics beyond GDP.
- Businesses can align strategies with ecological and social value creation.
- Educational institutions can integrate planetary ethics into curricula.
- Citizens can demand accountability and support initiatives that protect both people and planet.
The real question is not whether we can afford to rethink progress.
It is whether we can afford not to.
If we want a future in which humanity thrives within the limits of Earth, we must begin measuring — and governing — accordingly. Planetary wellbeing offers that new compass.
For further information and book:
Inspired by ChatGPT (2026).