The Effect Nature Plays on Modern Life
Jason Drosehn
Eng-116-01
Professor Charles Park
May 13, 2025
The Effect Nature Plays on Modern Life
Nature plays a crucial role in the development, sustainability, and well-being of human civilization. Although we interact with the environment daily, the demands of modern urbanized life often distract us from recognizing its vital influence. From the air we breathe to the emotional balance we maintain, nature’s presence—or absence—affects every aspect of our lives. Increasingly, studies have shown that natural environments positively impact mental and physical health while also playing a pivotal role in shaping the global economy. As climate change and environmental degradation continue to escalate, reexamining our relationship with nature is more urgent than ever.
Nature and Mental Health
Mental health has become a pressing issue in societies around the world. With increasing urbanization, many individuals are losing access to natural spaces, which has been linked to a rise in psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017, as cited in Olcoń et al., 2023), mental health conditions now constitute one of the largest global burdens of disease. This rise coincides with a dramatic decrease in interaction with natural environments, especially in densely populated urban centers.
Nature-based therapies and outdoor mental health interventions are emerging as effective alternatives and supplements to traditional treatments. Among these, group nature walks have gained attention as a cost-effective and holistic way to support individuals struggling with mental health. In a qualitative study, Olcoń et al. (2023) found that walking groups organized for individuals using mental health services created a sense of community, acceptance, and emotional safety. These group activities allowed participants to feel understood by others who shared similar experiences, which enhanced the therapeutic value of the activity.
Importantly, nature’s benefits extend beyond structured therapy. Simply being present in green spaces or near bodies of water has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. People who maintain a regular connection with nature often report a greater sense of purpose and belonging. Choe et al. (2020) noted that participants in mindfulness programs conducted in natural settings experienced improved psychological outcomes, including enhanced mood, reduced rumination, and increased life satisfaction. Richardson and Sheffield (2017) further concluded that nature-connectedness contributes significantly to emotional well-being, a finding supported by Howell, Passmore, and Buro (2013), who linked this connection to increased happiness and life meaning.
These findings suggest that societies must take deliberate steps to incorporate nature into urban planning. Parks, greenways, and access to nature for all communities are not luxuries but necessities that can support public health on a large scale.
Nature and Physical Health
The physical benefits of spending time in nature are equally significant. Outdoor physical activity improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and enhances immune system functioning. Unlike indoor exercise environments, outdoor activities stimulate the senses, encourage exploration, and can be less intimidating for beginners.
Many people naturally prefer physical activity in pleasant outdoor settings, such as hiking trails, beaches, or local parks. These environments can foster long-term exercise habits because they offer more than just physical benefits—they also provide psychological rewards. Activities like walking, cycling, and jogging in natural areas are linked to improved mood and stress reduction during and after the activity. However, despite these benefits, many people do not engage in outdoor physical activity often enough.
In England, for instance, Grellier et al. (2024) reported that only 19.5% of adults had made at least one active visit to a natural environment in the previous week. These visits were defined as including moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes or more. This statistic highlights a troubling gap between awareness of nature’s benefits and the actual behavior of individuals. Barriers such as lack of access, time constraints, and limited public infrastructure often prevent people from utilizing natural environments.
Group activity programs that focus on nature-based exercise have shown promise. Community walks, outdoor yoga, and nature-based fitness classes can attract diverse participants and improve adherence to healthy routines. Grellier et al. (2024) recommend further efforts to include people with varying physical abilities and from different demographic groups to ensure equitable access to the physical health benefits of nature. As obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic diseases increase globally, encouraging outdoor activity should become a public health priority.
Nature and the Economy
The natural environment also plays an indispensable role in the global economy. Many nations depend on natural resources—such as oil, timber, minerals, and fertile land—to drive economic growth, fund public services, and sustain trade partnerships. In an increasingly interconnected world, access to these resources often determines a nation’s development trajectory.
Globalization, defined as the reduction of barriers to the movement of goods, people, and technology, has amplified the economic role of nature (Haider et al., 2019). Countries rich in natural resources can leverage this abundance to build infrastructure, diversify exports, and attract foreign investment. However, outcomes depend largely on how these resources are managed.
For example, Haider et al. (2019) contrast the outcomes of natural resource use in different countries. In Norway, wealth from natural resources has been carefully managed through strong institutions, resulting in sustainable growth and a high quality of life. Conversely, countries with weaker governance systems may experience the “resource curse,” where abundant resources lead to corruption, inequality, and conflict (Mehlum et al., 2006; Leite & Weidmann, 1999).
Nature’s economic value also extends beyond extractive industries. Ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy are growing sectors that depend on maintaining healthy ecosystems. Investing in conservation can yield long-term economic gains by supporting biodiversity, mitigating natural disasters, and ensuring that resources remain available for future generations.
Climate Change and Sustainability
While nature offers extensive benefits, it is under increasing threat from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. One of the leading causes of environmental degradation is the growing level of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Industrial activity, deforestation, and fossil fuel consumption are accelerating global warming and jeopardizing ecosystems worldwide. According to Li et al. (2024), climate mitigation strategies such as carbon neutrality and green technologies are essential to reduce this environmental damage.
Climate change does not only pose ecological risks—it also affects economic and financial stability. Umar et al. (2025) found that extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, and shifting regulatory landscapes all threaten business operations, especially in resource-dependent industries. Climate-related risks can result in reduced productivity, damage to infrastructure, and decreased investor confidence. These cascading effects contribute to financial instability, loan defaults, and long-term losses in sectors such as agriculture, insurance, and energy.
Policymakers and corporations are increasingly recognizing the need for sustainable business practices. Investments in renewable energy, carbon offset programs, and sustainable land use are gaining momentum as part of the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, transitioning to sustainability requires coordination across sectors and borders, along with public education and policy support.
Human demand on nature is reaching unsustainable levels. Population growth, urban sprawl, and consumption patterns are placing immense stress on ecosystems. Protecting biodiversity, restoring degraded environments, and implementing climate adaptation strategies are no longer optional—they are essential to safeguarding the future.
Conclusion
Nature plays a multifaceted and irreplaceable role in modern society. It contributes to mental wellness, supports physical health, underpins national and global economies, and provides the foundation for sustainable development. As the modern world continues to evolve rapidly, our connection to the natural environment must not be severed. Instead, it must be strengthened through thoughtful policies, community programs, and personal commitment.
Failing to value and preserve nature could lead to irreversible damage—not only to the planet but also to human societies that depend on it. By acknowledging the essential role that nature plays, we can make informed decisions that support both ecological and human health. Nature is not a luxury to be enjoyed occasionally; it is a fundamental element of life that sustains us in every way.
References
Choe, E. Y., Choi, Y. J., Lee, J., & Lee, D. (2020). Does a natural environment enhance the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)? Landscape and Urban Planning, 202, 103873. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103873
Grellier, J., Mathew, R., Sian, A., Oscar, M., Lewis, C., Clare, B., … & Rebecca, R. (2024). Valuing the health benefits of nature-based recreational physical activity in England. Environment International, 186, 107779. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.107779
Haider, S. A., Zixiang, W., Ayfer, A., Muhammad, H., Fujun, L., & Yaser, M. (2019). The impact of globalization, natural resources abundance, and human capital on financial development: Evidence from thirty-one OECD countries. Energy Policy, 129, 1112–1120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2019.02.048
Li, S., Kaiwen, H., & Xueqing, C. (2024). Impact of financial technologies, digitalization, and natural resources on environmental degradation in G-20 countries: Does human resources matter? Energy Policy, 185, 113458. https://doi.org/10.
Olcoń, K., Destry, M., Astell-Burt, T., & Allan, J. (2023). “I can get to a happy place by visiting nature”: The benefits of implementing nature walking groups within mental health services. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 79, 127909. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2023.127909
Umar, M., Nawazish, M., Monica, B., & Samuel, S. (2025). The impact of climate change on credit portfolios and banking resilience: Preliminary evidence from a developing economy. Journal of Financial Stability, 67, 101011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfs.2025.101011
Reflection
I enjoyed this assignment quite a lot especially with the research. I had to find five peer reviewed articles and review them for more information on my topic. My topic was how nature impacts our modern life. I than wrote out a draft of my article and than finally rearranged everything and fixed up the article. The writing and formatting of the article did take a good amount of time given the multitude of different parts and their interactions between each other in the article