The Impact of Air Pollution on the Happiness Index of ASEAN Communities

Abstract

Happiness is the primary human goal, so a more inclusive, fair, and balanced approach is required to promote a sustainable economy, poverty alleviation, and the happiness and well-being of all people (SDGs Pyramid to Happiness, United Nations 2012). The Human Development Index (HDI) is one indicator that can be used as a benchmark for sustainable development that supports the implementation of the SDGs. In addition to HDI, Per capita income is also pivotal because it involves the community’s ability to meet basic human needs (clothing, board food). Air pollution is a complex problem in today’s society, which secretly seeks public health. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effect of the HDI, Per Capita Income, and Air Pollution on community happiness. The study population consisted of nine countries in the ASEAN region for the 2015-2019 period. This quantitative research uses secondary data from the World Bank, the United Nations Development Program, and the State of Global Air. The dependent variable used was the Happiness Index (HI), while the independent variables used were the Human Development Index (HDI), Per Capita Income (PCI), and Air Pollution (AP). In this study, to conduct panel data regression analysis, Random Effect Model is assisted with the statistical software Eviews 10. The results of this study indicate that PI (sig. 0,02; coefficient value 0,40) has a positive and significant effect, while HDI (sig. 0,30; coefficient value 1,37) has a positive and not significant effect on HI, and AP (sig. 0,47; coefficient value -0.02) has a negative and insignificant impact on HI. Therefore, the government and society must strive to improve the quality of human resources and the environment to increase people’s happiness.