Image caption:

View over the Entremonts valley (c) Julika Jarosch

There is no simple answer to the questions, because in addition to the standard of living and economic success, we also must take into account factors such as the quality of the environment, the subjective perception of living and material conditions and the culture and value system of society. It is one of the most complex concepts that concerns each and every one of us.

For someone, the quality of life is represented by the fact that all the necessary infrastructure (shop, school, medical center, etc.) is near their home. For someone else, the most important factor is living in a healthy natural environment. It is a very broad area where the actual situation cannot be measured solely with the help of statistical data. Just by considering statistical data, we can create a completely wrong picture.

At the webinar, where the topic of quality of life indicators was in the foreground, we were able to learn about the methodology used by ESPON in its research - both for measurement and for the development of the methodology for conducting living laboratories.

Does climate change affect the quality of life?

Researchers within ESPON's study pointed out that they used income level and standard of living to assess personal success and quality of life. Over time, however, the equation linking growth, prosperity and quality of life has become no longer adequate due to the increasing number of evidence and awareness of climate change and social challenges.

Living laboratories and their role

A true insight into this complex topic can be obtained with the help of processes and activities, which in their characteristics resemble "living laboratories" (shorter living labs). It is an approach that is constantly being developed and supplemented, includes people who actively participate in research processes, measure progress together and help define guidelines for further development.

At the same time, they constantly ask themselves the question - how can we improve the level of quality of life in the future. This is very important, because new guidelines and policies in the field of the European Union are created based on their opinions and reflections.

Nowadays, people are more and more aware that the quality of life in certain environments cannot be measured and assessed solely on the basis of economic indicators and measurable statistical data, but must also take into account specific circumstances. Living conditions in the Alps are very diverse. For example, life in the countryside, where residents usually have less infrastructure, service activities and cultural offerings, but greater landscape and ecological wealth, is difficult to compare with life in the city.

As the participants of the online workshop agreed, with the help of "Living labs" research, we can effectively make a qualitative leap in this field and successfully transfer the findings - the needs and wishes of young people in the Alps - to European policies.