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Humans and nature: How knowing and experiencing nature affect well-being

Publication ,  Journal Article
Russell, R; Guerry, AD; Balvanera, P; Gould, RK; Basurto, X; Chan, KMA; Klain, S; Levine, J; Tam, J
Published in: Annual Review of Environment and Resources
October 1, 2013

Ecosystems provide many of the material building blocks for human well-being. Although quantification and appreciation of such contributions have rapidly grown, our dependence upon cultural connections to nature deserves more attention. We synthesize multidisciplinary peer-reviewed research on contributions of nature or ecosystems to human well-being mediated through nontangible connections (such as culture). We characterize these connections on the basis of the channels through which such connections arise (i.e., knowing, perceiving, interacting with, and living within) and the components of human well-being they affect (e.g., physical, mental and spiritual health, inspiration, identity). We found enormous variation in the methods used, quantity of research, and generalizability of the literature. The effects of nature on mental and physical health have been rigorously demonstrated, whereas other effects (e.g., on learning) are theorized but seldom demonstrated. The balance of evidence indicates conclusively that knowing and experiencing nature makes us generally happier, healthier people. More fully characterizing our intangible connections with nature will help shape decisions that benefit people and the ecosystems on which we depend. © 2013 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved.

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Published In

Annual Review of Environment and Resources

DOI

ISSN

1543-5938

Publication Date

October 1, 2013

Volume

38

Start / End Page

473 / 502

Related Subject Headings

  • Energy
  • Ecology
 

Citation

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Russell, R., Guerry, A. D., Balvanera, P., Gould, R. K., Basurto, X., Chan, K. M. A., … Tam, J. (2013). Humans and nature: How knowing and experiencing nature affect well-being. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 38, 473–502. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-012312-110838
Russell, R., A. D. Guerry, P. Balvanera, R. K. Gould, X. Basurto, K. M. A. Chan, S. Klain, J. Levine, and J. Tam. “Humans and nature: How knowing and experiencing nature affect well-being.” Annual Review of Environment and Resources 38 (October 1, 2013): 473–502. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-012312-110838.
Russell R, Guerry AD, Balvanera P, Gould RK, Basurto X, Chan KMA, et al. Humans and nature: How knowing and experiencing nature affect well-being. Annual Review of Environment and Resources. 2013 Oct 1;38:473–502.
Russell, R., et al. “Humans and nature: How knowing and experiencing nature affect well-being.” Annual Review of Environment and Resources, vol. 38, Oct. 2013, pp. 473–502. Scopus, doi:10.1146/annurev-environ-012312-110838.
Russell R, Guerry AD, Balvanera P, Gould RK, Basurto X, Chan KMA, Klain S, Levine J, Tam J. Humans and nature: How knowing and experiencing nature affect well-being. Annual Review of Environment and Resources. 2013 Oct 1;38:473–502.

Published In

Annual Review of Environment and Resources

DOI

ISSN

1543-5938

Publication Date

October 1, 2013

Volume

38

Start / End Page

473 / 502

Related Subject Headings

  • Energy
  • Ecology