The Issue
Why has this issue sparked so much concern?
In 2005, Richard Louv's book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder was published. It was the first book to bring together a growing body of research that shows a link between a lack of contact with nature to a wide range of problems that harm individuals, families and communities. The issues include:
- Obesity and other physical health issues such as diabetes and heart disease
- Depression
- Attention-deficit disorder and other learning problems
- Anti-social behavior and violence
- Lack of caring and concern for nature
- Alienation from community
- Impacts on social and emotional intelligence
- Decreased linguistic, sensory and imaginative capacity
- Diminished sense of awe and wonder
