Radical Urban Greening Needed to Reverse 'Extinction of Experience'

According to a study published in July 2025, people's connection to nature has declined by more than 60% since 1800, a trend that is closely tied to the disappearance of nature-related words from books over the same period. The research, conducted by Professor Miles Richardson of the University of Derby, predicts that this "extinction of experience" will continue unless there are significant policy and societal changes.

The study found that the loss of nature words like "river," "moss," and "blossom" from books peaked at a 60.6% decline in 1990. This decline in nature-related language reflects the growing disconnect between people and the natural world, driven by factors such as urbanization and the loss of wildlife in neighborhoods. Crucially, the research also indicates that parents are no longer passing on an "orientation" towards nature to their children.

To reverse this trend, the study suggests that the most effective interventions would be introducing children to nature at a young age and radically greening urban environments. However, the modeling shows that these changes would need to be transformational, with cities potentially requiring a 10-fold increase in biodiverse green spaces to restore people's connection to nature. Smaller-scale efforts, such as nature engagement campaigns, are unlikely to be sufficient on their own.

Professor Richardson emphasizes the vital importance of this issue, as nature connectedness is now recognized as a key factor in addressing the environmental crisis. Restoring this connection is also crucial for people's mental health and well-being. The study indicates that the necessary changes must be implemented over the next 25 years to have a meaningful impact, but the potential for a cultural shift towards greater appreciation of nature provides some hope.