Britain ranks 55th out of 61 nations for how closely its people feel connected to nature, according to the first global study of its kind. The research, published in Ambio, surveyed 57,000 people and examined how culture, economy, and geography shape relationships with the natural world.
Nepal topped the list as the most nature-connected nation, followed by Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. At the other end, Spain ranked lowest, with countries such as Japan, Germany, Israel, and Canada also near the bottom.
Led by Prof. Miles Richardson of the University of Derby, the study found that higher levels of spirituality and religiosity were strong predictors of a closer bond with nature. In contrast, factors like urbanisation, wealth, internet use, and a focus on business competitiveness correlated with weaker connections.
Richardson said the UK’s low ranking reflects a culture that prioritises economic and scientific values over emotional ties to the environment. “We’ve become a more rational, economic society,” he said. “We need to make nature integral to our wellbeing so it becomes respected and almost sacred.”
He suggested incorporating nature into healthcare, business, and law — including biodiversity regulations and the “rights of nature” — to rebuild this connection.
The Church of England’s environmental lead, Bishop Graham Usher, welcomed the findings, saying: “What we notice we begin to love, and what we love we want to protect. It all starts with helping children connect with nature.”
