Evolving Away from Nature

The movement of people away from the countryside and into the cities has gathered in pace. Why Nature Matters doesn’t argue for a return to the countryside; it argues for the need for people – particularly children – to have access to the natural world. This can range from full immersion in forest bathing, to keeping a house plant on a windowsill. But the more children connect with nature, the better they will feel and the more they will care for the environment. Yet eco-anxiety among young people is rising as they fear they can do nothing to prevent the crisis; it's crucial to break the cycle of anxiety. The US author Richard Louv coined the term ‘nature deficit disorder’ to describe the array of behavioural problems seen in young people, which correlates to a decrease in the amount of time they spend in nature. It's a metaphor for the alienation which follows separation from humans’ natural environment. It's imperative for adults to empower children to connect with nature.