My research with Drs. Cha, Kwon, Hong, Yang, and Jung, that looked at the relationship between happiness and green space using satellite data was featured in a new UNICEF report. This article looked at the correlation between self-reported happiness from the World Happiness Report and urban green space based on satellite images.

By measuring the urban green space score (UGS) from high-resolution satellite imagery of 90 global cities in 60 developed countries, we found that the amount of urban green space and GDP are correlated with a nation’s happiness level (More green space in a city has higher happiness). Yet, only urban green space is related to happiness in the 30 wealthiest countries, whereas GDP alone can explain happiness in the subsequent 30 countries in terms of wealth. This means that for top developed countries, green space matters for happiness, but for the others, money is still more important.