Urban children and adolescents’ perspectives on the importance of nature

Abstract

People who regard nature as important and personally meaningful are often compelled to conserve it. This compulsion is increasingly vital in a world where global climate and biodiversity crises are worsening, with younger generations set to bear most of the resulting ecological burden. By understanding why children and adolescents value nature, we can gain insights into how they might act for its benefit. In this study, we asked over 1000 Australian students (aged 8–14) to explain why ‘nature’ was—or was not—important to them. Qualitative responses were gathered via a survey methodology using an online questionnaire, with thematic analysis used to identify key findings. Results show that respondents valued nature for its ability to keep humans alive and resourced, also appreciating nature as beautiful and relaxing. Respondents frequently commented on how nature made them feel: happiness, love, freedom, and calm featured prominently. A small number of students reported ambivalence about nature, or even feelings of fear. These results demonstrate substantial depth to students’ understandings of nature and the ways they choose to engage with their surroundings. Encompassing a diversity of perspectives on nature allows us to better engage with youth on environmental matters.

Keywords:

• Conservation
• aesthetic
• restorative
• affective
• connection to nature

Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank all the students who took part in this research, as well as the parents and teachers who facilitated their participation.

Disclosure statement

We declare that no competing interests exist.

Notes

1 Ethical protocols were approved via both the University of Sydney’s Human Research Ethics Committee (#2016/961) and the New South Wales Government’s State Education Research Applications Process (#2016467).

2 Approval from principals was stipulated by the NSW State Education Research Applications Process as a prerequisite for subsequent participation of their students.