People with more nature experiences are more likely protect itNumerous studies suggest that personal experiences with nature may be a primary factor in promoting pro-environmental behaviors. This review examined that assumption. The first aim of the review was to test whether the related research shows an association between nature experiences and pro-environmental behavior. A second aim was to examine whether the strength of the relationship can vary according to types of nature experiences and different kinds of pro-environmental behaviors. The review was based on the understanding that knowledge gained from this research could prove invaluable in determining what needs to be done to increase motivation and reduce barriers to addressing the environmental problems facing Planet Earth.
A systematic search of the related literature identified twelve published studies that tested the relationship between direct experiences of nature and pro-environmental behavior. Direct experiences of nature were defined as “sensory contact with living organisms and ecosystems, excluding those that are not self-sustained (e.g., livestock, and domestic pets).” Studies about virtual nature experiences were not included. The sample sizes of the included studies ranged from 140 to 24,204 people. Most of the studies were conducted in North America and Europe. The pro-environmental behavioral outcomes and the measures of nature experience varied considerably. In analyzing the data, the behavioral outcomes were divided into two groups: pro-biodiversity behavior and other pro-environmental behavior. The types of nature experience were also divided into two groups: childhood experiences and adult or lifelong experiences. Pro-biodiversity behaviors were defined as actions that specifically focused on wildlife and habitat conservation.
Findings of this review showed that “direct experiences of nature are positively associated with a wide range of positive actions towards the natural environment.” The strength of the association between pro-environmental behavior and nature experiences did not differ in terms of when such experiences occurred – that is, during childhood or other times during life. Nature experiences were more strongly linked to pro-biodiversity behaviors than other pro-environmental behaviors. This difference, however, was statistically marginal. Several pathways through which direct experiences with nature can promote pro-environmental behaviors were identified. These pathways include personal contact with nature promoting (1) emotional affinity with nature, (2) awareness of environmental decline, and (3) increased altruistic and pro-social behaviors.
These results indicate that people with more personal contact or experiences with nature are more likely to engage in activities or behaviors that support and protect it. Enhancing people’s engagement with nature could thus be an effective way to promote pro-environmental behaviors.
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