Protecting nature in diverse ways: The socio-demographic spread of benefits from connecting with nature

TL;DR

This study explores how different age groups in Australia connect with nature and engage in environmental behaviors, finding that these behaviors are linked to well-being.

Contribution

The study reveals distinct socio-demographic patterns in pro-environmental behaviors and their connection to nature and well-being.

Findings

Nature connection is strongly associated with all types of pro-environmental behaviors.

Younger adults are more likely to engage in advocacy and conservation, while older adults prefer consumer-conscious behaviors and gardening.

Advocacy behaviors remain significant for well-being even after accounting for nature connection.

Abstract

Nature connection and its relationships with stewardship vary across social and environmental contexts. Through a nationally representative survey in Australia, this study examined engagement in four different pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) (advocacy, consumer-conscious, conservation, and gardening), their socio-demographic correlates, and the associations with both nature connection and well-being. We found strong associations between nature connection and all examined PEBs; however, different groups were more likely to engage in different types of PEBs. For example, younger adults are more likely to engage in advocacy and conservation behaviours, while older Australians are more likely to engage in consumer-conscious behaviours and gardening. All PEBs were significantly associated with well-being; however, only the advocacy behaviours variable remained significant when including nature connection as a control variable. These findings highlight the importance of biodiversity policies that holistically enhance nature connection for a range of people, alongside sustainability measures to support the well-being of both people and planet.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13280-025-02233-6

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