Extinction of experience: the loss of human–nature interactions

Masashi Soga; Kevin J Gaston

doi:10.1002/fee.1225

journal article Mar 01, 2016

Extinction of experience: the loss of human–nature interactions

Masashi Soga

Kevin J Gaston

Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment Vol. 14 No. 2 pp. 94-101 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/fee.1225

Abstract

Increasingly, people are becoming less likely to have direct contact with nature (natural environments and their associated wildlife) in their everyday lives. Over 20 years ago, Robert M Pyle termed this ongoing alienation the “extinction of experience”, but the phenomenon has continued to receive surprisingly limited attention. Here, we present current understanding of the extinction of experience, with particular emphasis on its causes and consequences, and suggest future research directions. Our review illustrates that the loss of interaction with nature not only diminishes a wide range of benefits relating to health and well‐being, but also discourages positive emotions, attitudes, and behavior with regard to the environment, implying a cycle of disaffection toward nature. Such serious implications highlight the importance of reconnecting people with nature, as well as focusing research and public policy on addressing and improving awareness of the extinction of experience.

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Metrics

1,404

Citations

50

References

Details

Published: Mar 01, 2016
Vol/Issue: 14(2)
Pages: 94-101
License: View

Authors

M

Masashi Soga

Department of Urban Engineering School of Engineering The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan

K

Kevin J Gaston

Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK

Funding

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Award: 15J04422

Natural Environment Research Council Award: NE/J015237/1

Cite This Article

Masashi Soga, Kevin J Gaston (2016). Extinction of experience: the loss of human–nature interactions. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 14(2), 94-101. https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.1225

Extinction of experience: the loss of human–nature interactions

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