Putting the needs of future generations first is how one country is prioritizing the planet. In this TED Talk, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales talks about Wales’ radical approach to policy making which focuses on the long-term and ensures that policy decisions made today, don’t harm future generations.
This radical approach to policy making hopes to leave Wales a better place. Howe discusses 7 lessons she learned during this process.
1. People must be involved in setting long-term goals. Wales held a national conversation called the “Wales We Want” and people said they wanted a low carbon economy, connected communities, and a more equal Wales. The government legislated to set seven national well-being goals and each institution has to demonstrate and be accountable in meeting those goals.
2. Wales focused on the interconnections between different aspects of well-being. For example, looking at air pollution not only from an environmental perspective but as a human health issue.
3. Institutions need to work beyond their usual scope and work with other organizations outside their usual remit. For example, the Wales environmental agency is helping to find solutions to tackling childhood adversity.
4. Make well-being the metrics. Every policy should be tested across the four pillars of well-being: social, economic, environmental, and cultural. Wales has moved away from only measuring success based on economic measures and increases in Gross Valued Added.
5. Focus on inequality. Post-COVID recovery plans include green jobs and energy efficiency in homes, but also target those jobs furthest from the labor market to address inequality.
6. Think about projects holistically. Don't save carbon by putting solar panels on a new hospital and then spend it in another area by failing to consider how patients are going to travel there sustainably.
7. Involve people in new ways. In Cardiff, doctors can write prescriptions not only for drugs but for free bike hire for those who would benefit from increasing their physical activity. Public health consultants are getting involved in transportation decisions bringing with them a whole new set of solutions.
Howe hopes this new approach to policy-making will truly leave Wales a better place for future generations.