Britain ranked a dismal 55th out of 61 countries in a new global study that measures how closely nations connect with the natural world, falling short of even some of Europe's more rural neighbors. The country's lackluster showing was attributed to its increasingly urbanized society and economic priorities, which have led to a decline in nature connection.
In contrast, Nepal emerged as the most "nature-connected" nation, followed by Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. This may seem surprising given that Britain is known for its love of nature and has a strong environmental movement, but despite having one of the highest levels of membership in environmental organizations, this did little to improve its ranking.
Researchers found that high levels of "spirituality" were the strongest indicator of a close relationship with nature, with more religious societies showing higher levels of connection. However, economic indicators such as ease of doing business and urbanization were actually correlated with lower levels of nature connection, suggesting that these factors are stifling a sense of wonder and awe for the natural world.
Graham Usher, bishop of Norwich, echoed this sentiment, stating that spending time in nature is essential for both our physical and mental health. He pointed to the example of Jesus, who often retreated into nature to pray and connect with God. By observing and loving nature, we begin to treasure it and ultimately want to protect it.
Miles Richardson, professor of nature connectedness at the University of Derby, noted that fostering nature connection requires a fundamental shift in our values and priorities. This could involve incorporating natural thinking into business decision-making, recognizing the rights of nature in law, and developing policies such as biodiversity net gain. By mainstreaming the value of nature, we can start to respect it as sacred and integral to our wellbeing.
Ultimately, Richardson concluded that reconnecting with nature is a matter of finding ways to bring it into our urban lives, beyond just planting parks or green spaces. Creating "sacred" urban environments requires more than just physical infrastructure; it demands a deeper cultural shift towards valuing the natural world as an end in itself, rather than just a resource to be exploited for human gain.
As Richardson so aptly put it, we need to rethink our relationship with nature and recognize its inherent value. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable future where humans and the natural world thrive together.
In contrast, Nepal emerged as the most "nature-connected" nation, followed by Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. This may seem surprising given that Britain is known for its love of nature and has a strong environmental movement, but despite having one of the highest levels of membership in environmental organizations, this did little to improve its ranking.
Researchers found that high levels of "spirituality" were the strongest indicator of a close relationship with nature, with more religious societies showing higher levels of connection. However, economic indicators such as ease of doing business and urbanization were actually correlated with lower levels of nature connection, suggesting that these factors are stifling a sense of wonder and awe for the natural world.
Graham Usher, bishop of Norwich, echoed this sentiment, stating that spending time in nature is essential for both our physical and mental health. He pointed to the example of Jesus, who often retreated into nature to pray and connect with God. By observing and loving nature, we begin to treasure it and ultimately want to protect it.
Miles Richardson, professor of nature connectedness at the University of Derby, noted that fostering nature connection requires a fundamental shift in our values and priorities. This could involve incorporating natural thinking into business decision-making, recognizing the rights of nature in law, and developing policies such as biodiversity net gain. By mainstreaming the value of nature, we can start to respect it as sacred and integral to our wellbeing.
Ultimately, Richardson concluded that reconnecting with nature is a matter of finding ways to bring it into our urban lives, beyond just planting parks or green spaces. Creating "sacred" urban environments requires more than just physical infrastructure; it demands a deeper cultural shift towards valuing the natural world as an end in itself, rather than just a resource to be exploited for human gain.
As Richardson so aptly put it, we need to rethink our relationship with nature and recognize its inherent value. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable future where humans and the natural world thrive together.
. I mean, they're always going on about how great their countryside is, but it seems like their love for nature isn't translating into real change 
. It's interesting to hear that being spiritual can help with connecting with nature, but I think we should be looking at ways to make urban life more green too 
. We need to rethink our priorities and start valuing the natural world as much as we value progress and stuff 
. If Britain can do it, so can other countries! Maybe if they just made nature connection a bigger part of their daily lives, like, you know, actually spending time outdoors and all that 
, they might have done better in this study 
.