Nature report links wildlife trends to human well-being

Presented as the inaugural comprehensive evaluation of U.S. lands, water, and wildlife, the Nature Record National Assessment documents various trends, including the decline of butterfly populations alongside the inspiring resurgence of the bald eagle.

This assessment extends beyond flora and fauna as it includes a dedicated chapter addressing the human species—responsible for many ecological changes—and our intrinsic connections to nature.

"Initially, the report focused predominantly on ecology and biology, neglecting the various ways humans interact with nature and the significance of that connection," explained John Coley, professor of psychology and marine and environmental sciences at Northeastern University. Along with his colleague Meena Balgopal from Colorado State University, Coley advocated for the inclusion of the human-nature bond, ultimately leading a chapter that explores cultural and historical perceptions of nature. This spans from the deep connection Indigenous communities have with their environment to early European settlers' views of nature as an endless resource for exploitation.

Phillip Levin, director of Nature Record and a conservation scientist, emphasized that this chapter adds "another flavor" to the report. It encompasses discussions on marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. During a webinar introducing the project, Levin articulated that the human connection chapter examines how people engage with nature through work and recreation and how these interactions shape decisions regarding stewardship and conservation efforts.

"The Human Connections chapter is essential because it reminds us that we are part of nature—not separate from it," Levin stated in an email to Northeastern Global News. He highlighted the importance of human choices in the restoration and maintenance of the systems upon which we rely.

The notion that humans stand apart from the environment is "simply misguided," asserted Northeastern marine and environmental studies professor Brian Helmuth, a contributing writer for the chapter. "One cannot harm the environment without concomitant repercussions for human health and well-being."

Recent public awareness regarding environmental preservation has increased, thanks in part to seminal works like Rachel Carson's 1962 publication "Silent Spring," which unveiled the detrimental links between pesticide usage and its effects on songbirds and fish populations, Helmuth noted.

"This awareness catalyzed legislative action aimed at environmental protection, evolving into initiatives that safeguard human well-being, such as the Clean Water Act of 1972," Helmuth pointed out.

Coley added, "There is a noticeable shift away from the utilitarian commodification of nature toward a perspective that considers humanity as an integral part of nature; by degrading our environment, we ultimately harm ourselves."

However, this movement encounters opposition from a countermovement aimed at minimizing regulations on the extraction and production of oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, and minerals, all justified under the guise of promoting prosperity and energy development.

The original authors of the report comprised a blend of federal employees and academics from various independent institutions. However, an executive order was issued that shelved the report, subsequently preventing federal workers from participating. Despite these challenges, Levin and other environmental scientists were committed to ensuring the report's release.

They secured external funding from organizations including the Walton Family Foundation and Doris Duke Foundation.

Currently, the Nature Record exists in draft form and is open for public comment until May 30. It will be subject to review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Helmuth explained.

The final version, which will incorporate pertinent public feedback, is set for publication in the fall and will serve as a vital resource for state and local government policymakers, educators, and the general public, according to Coley. He remarked that it would become a benchmark for future generations as they evaluate human impacts on the environment.

"The overall health of the United States—spanning psychological, physical, and economic dimensions—is intricately linked to robust, functioning natural systems," Coley concluded.