Roots of Connectedness: Exploring Pathways Towards Strengthening Experiences in Nature, Connectedness with Nature, and Action for Nature Throughout the Life Course

Abstract

The biodiversity and climate crisis reflects a disturbed relationship between humans and nature. Strengthening nature connectedness is important for restoring that relationship: as a driver of action for nature, as well as for well-being and meaning-making. To strengthen nature connectedness, we need to understand how nature experiences, nature connection and action for nature take shape over the course of people's lives. This was investigated through various methods and at different stages of life: a literature review, children's drawings about outdoor play areas, interviews with young adults who are very active on behalf of nature, and an evaluation of the Green Traineeship for young adults and the Earthfulness challenge for adults.

The studies show that direct, everyday nature experiences and finding like-minded people are important for nature connectedness in childhood and later in life. However, this is becoming increasingly difficult. There are various obstacles throughout life: from a limited range of action as a child to a lack of time as an adult. With nature experiences and nature connectedness under pressure, each new generation is in danger of seeing a diminished relationship with nature as the norm. This PhD thesis presents several routes to strengthen and weave nature connectedness into our everyday lives to contribute to caring for and strengthening the resilience of nature and of humans as part of nature, now and in the future.