Britain is one of the least “nature-connected” countries in the world, ranking 55th out of 61 nations in a new global study examining how people relate to the natural world.
Researchers from the University of Derby and Austria surveyed 57,000 people and found that Nepal was the most nature-connected nation, followed by Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. At the bottom were the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan, and Spain.
The study, published in Ambio, found that people in more spiritual or religious societies were more likely to feel close to nature, while countries with high urbanisation, income, and internet use were less connected. Nations with business-friendly environments also tended to show weaker ties to nature.
Professor Miles Richardson, who led the research, said the UK’s low ranking was unsurprising given its “rational, economic, and scientific” culture. “We need to mainstream the value of nature, making it integral to wellbeing so it becomes respected and almost sacred,” he said.
The study suggests reconnecting people with nature could involve using green spaces in healthcare, incorporating biodiversity in business decisions, and fostering “sacred” urban nature.
Graham Usher, the bishop of Norwich, added: “What we notice we begin to love, and what we love we come to treasure – and what we treasure we want to protect.”
