Overview
- Nepal leads a 61-country index of nature connectedness while Britain ranks 55th, with Iran, South Africa and Bangladesh near the top and Spain last.
- Researchers surveyed about 57,000 people and published the findings in Ambio, led by Prof. Miles Richardson at the University of Derby.
- Spirituality emerged as the strongest positive correlate of nature connectedness, whereas membership of environmental organisations showed a very weak link.
- Higher urbanisation, greater income, heavier internet or screen use, and a high Ease of Doing Business score were associated with weaker ties to nature.
- Suggested responses include nature-based NHS programmes, legal rights for nature, embedding biodiversity into business and education, and commentators urging balance between development and environmental values.