The quality of life is a person's perception of their situation in life in relation to their expectations and goals, and it is closely related to happiness. Factors affecting the quality of life include physical and mental health, wealth and financial security (including food security), family and social relationships, freedom, job satisfaction, education, leisure time and recreation, climate and environment, safety, and philosophical and religious beliefs.
All of these factors can be directly or indirectly affected by a deterioration in the environment. For example, global warming can harm both physical and mental health through higher summer temperatures and the consequent increased spread of tropical diseases. It can also reduce financial security by damaging crops and can harm social relationships and physical security by forcing migration.
Rising sea levels can reduce seashore recreation opportunities and can also reduce wealth through the loss of property values. Studies have shown that air pollution can harm both physical and mental health as well as damage agriculture and property. Species extinctions can also harm agriculture and thus reduce wealth, and the loss of iconic species can harm the mental health of some people. Deforestation can increase flooding, resulting in psychological distress and wealth loss from property damage. Water pollution can harm health and also reduce wealth through reduced food security and property damage.