TY - JOUR

T1 - Applying the pathways to nature connectedness at a societal scale

T2 - a leverage points perspective

AU - Richardson, Miles

AU - Dobson, Julian

AU - Abson, David J.

AU - Lumber, Ryan

AU - Hunt, Anne

AU - Young, R.

AU - Moorhouse, Bert

PY - 2020/12/1

Y1 - 2020/12/1

N2 - The climate emergency and crisis of biodiversity loss show that the human–nature relationship is failing. This paper introduces the psychological construct of nature connectedness as a measurable target for improving the human–nature relationship, and therefore helping tackle the warming climate and loss of wildlife. The ‘pathways to nature connectedness’ (sensory contact, emotion, meaning, beauty and compassion) provide an important and flexible framework to help improve the human–nature relationship. Research evidence and practical examples are given from organisations using the pathways (e.g. National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust). This illustrates how the pathways provide a new methodological approach for improving human–nature relationships. A systems perspective is taken to consider wider application of the pathways framework. The societal relevance of the pathways approach is proposed, and the application of nature connectedness is considered across a range of leverage points relevant across multiple societal scales (from individuals to societies). Recommendations are given for specific pathways informed interventions to improve the human–nature relationship. These interventions focus on cultural programmes and urban design to increase sensory, meaningful and emotional engagement with nature. The interventions based on the pathways framework engage with leverage points around system goals, design, feedback and parameters across policy areas such as education, health, housing, arts, health and transport. Showing to read This shows that the pathways to nature connectedness have a large scale of societal relevance and the potential to provide solutions across a range of leverage points to foster closer human–nature relationships across society.

AB - The climate emergency and crisis of biodiversity loss show that the human–nature relationship is failing. This paper introduces the psychological construct of nature connectedness as a measurable target for improving the human–nature relationship, and therefore helping tackle the warming climate and loss of wildlife. The ‘pathways to nature connectedness’ (sensory contact, emotion, meaning, beauty and compassion) provide an important and flexible framework to help improve the human–nature relationship. Research evidence and practical examples are given from organisations using the pathways (e.g. National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust). This illustrates how the pathways provide a new methodological approach for improving human–nature relationships. A systems perspective is taken to consider wider application of the pathways framework. The societal relevance of the pathways approach is proposed, and the application of nature connectedness is considered across a range of leverage points relevant across multiple societal scales (from individuals to societies). Recommendations are given for specific pathways informed interventions to improve the human–nature relationship. These interventions focus on cultural programmes and urban design to increase sensory, meaningful and emotional engagement with nature. The interventions based on the pathways framework engage with leverage points around system goals, design, feedback and parameters across policy areas such as education, health, housing, arts, health and transport. Showing to read This shows that the pathways to nature connectedness have a large scale of societal relevance and the potential to provide solutions across a range of leverage points to foster closer human–nature relationships across society.

KW - compassion

KW - disconnection

KW - emotion

KW - extinction of experience

KW - human-nature connection

KW - leverage points

KW - Nature connectedness

KW - nature relatedness

KW - policy

KW - sensory experiences

KW - urban design

KW - wellbeing

KW - Ágnes Balázsi

KW - Sustainability sciences, Management & Economics

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85096022675&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1080/26395916.2020.1844296

DO - 10.1080/26395916.2020.1844296

M3 - Journal articles

AN - SCOPUS:85096022675

VL - 16

SP - 387

EP - 401

JO - Ecosystems and People

JF - Ecosystems and People

SN - 2639-5908

IS - 1

ER -