Human–Nature Relationship in the Context of Environmental Change and Sustainability

Dear Colleagues, 

The nexus between human–nature relationships and environmental change is significant across transdisciplinary education, research, and practice engagement. An escalating body of evidence highlights the substantial impact of human actions on the natural environment. The changes in climate have multiple effects on natural ecosystems as well as human conditions (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2023). Considering the health inequities across high- and low-income countries (Butler & Hanigan, 2019), it is essential to examine the impacts of climate change on the health and well-being of populations living in rural, remote, and regional areas, particularly for women and children (Algur et al., 2021; Furusawa et al., 2021; Jegasothy et al., 2017; WHO, 2021). An intersectional approach may better inform the overall negative effects of climate change at individual, family, and community levels.

Research evidence also highlights critical opportunities for mitigating the negative impacts of environmental change by fostering reciprocal and sustainable human–nature relationships (Sharma-Brymer et al., 2025). Sustainability is about meeting our current needs as well as building support for future generations to meet their own needs (United Nations, n.d.). Sustainability is linked to human development through integrated approaches to healthy natural environments, including ecosystems and species health and well-being. Human health and well-being are intricately woven with environmental changes which in current times are resulting in climate anxiety, depression, and stress (Walinski et al., 2023). Globalization and capitalism have produced a socioeconomic system that benefits a few rather than adequately supporting communities. This can be seen in the corporatization of natural resources resulting in exclusion and marginalization of the many. The suppression of the rights and self-determination of the world’s Indigenous peoples and grassroots communities has escalated urbanization and modern capital economies that are unsustainable. The ill-effects of consumption are widely spread across the planet disrupting reciprocal human–nature relationships.

The critical opportunities for reviving such relationships are increasingly being valued and negotiated, favouring sustainable actions for healthy planet and people (Lengieza et al., 2023; Willis et al., 2025). Research from an array of disciplines and fields such as psychology, social sciences, humanities, social work, public health, bio-ecological sciences, human movement, and sport sciences is showing the importance of sustainable human–nature interactions for addressing the impacts of environmental change besides enhancing sustainability focus. Different worldviews and proactive participation from the civil society are positively recognized as key intersecting aspects in sustainability dialogue. This Special Issue aims to shine this dialogue in finer light by bringing together current research evidence and perspectives to critically examine human–nature relationships in the contexts of environmental change and the ways for improving the broader focus on sustainability.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:

1. The nexus between human–nature relationships and the contexts of environmental changes
2. Contextual analyses of environmental changes and climate justice impacts
3. The role of human–nature relationships in advancing sustainability
4. Empirical studies that examine climate change impact on human–nature relationships and sustainability
5. Cross-disciplinary studies examining the intersections of human–nature relationships, the diverse contexts of environmental changes, and sustainability
6. Theoretical contributions guiding human–nature relationships and sustainability
7. Methodological engagement and innovations in studying human–nature relationships, environmental changes, and sustainability
8. Interventions for promoting human–nature relationships, ecosocial justice, and sustainability
9. Active citizenship and community engagement in sustainability and environmental justice
10. Behaviour-change for sustainability and reciprocal human–nature relationships
11. Barriers and enablers affecting sustainable human–nature relationships and ecosocial justice

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

References

Algur, K.D., Patel, S.K., & Chauhan, S. (2021). The impact of drought on the health and livelihoods of women and children in India: A systematic review. Children and Youth Services Review, 122(105909), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105909

Butler, C. D., & Hanigan, I. C. (2019). Anthropogenic climate change and health in the Global South. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 23(12), 1243-1252. https://doi.org/10.5588/ijtld.19.0267

Furusawa, T., Pitakaka, F., Gabriel, S., Sai, A., Tsukahara, T., & Ishida, T. (2021). Health and well-being in small island communities: a cross-sectional study in the Solomon Islands. BMJ open, 11(11), e055106. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055106

Jegasothy, E., McGuire, R., Nairn, J., Fawcett, R., & Scalley, B. (2017). Extreme climatic conditions and health service utilisation across rural and metropolitan New South Wales. Int. J. Biometeorol. 61, 1359–1370.

Lengieza, M. L., Aviste, R., & Richardson, M. (2023). The Human–Nature Relationship as a Tangible Target for Pro-Environmental Behaviour—Guidance from Interpersonal Relationships. Sustainability, 15(16), 12175. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612175

Sheffield, D., Butler, C.W., & Richardson, M. (2022). Improving nature connectedness in adults: A meta-analysis, review and agenda. Sustainability, 14, 12494.

Sharma-Brymer, V., Brymer, E., & Loynes, C. (2025). Collective action for health and wellbeing benefits from human–nature relationships. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2025.2452696

Walinski, A., Sander, J., Gerlinger, G., Clemens, V., Meyer-Lindenberg, A., & Heinz, A. (2023). The effects of climate change on mental health. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 120(8), 117–124. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.m2022.0403

Willis, R.L., Brymer, E., Sharma-Brymer, V., & Leach, M. (2024). Refocusing on nature: The role of nature reintegration in environmental, mental, and societal wellbeing. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1351759

United Nations. (n.d.). Sustainability. https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/sustainability

World Health Organisation. (12 October 2023). Climate change. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health

World Health Organisation. (2021). Climate change and health research: Current trends, gaps and perspectives for the future. Geneva, Switzerland. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/climate-change-and-health-research-current-trends-gaps-and-perspectives-for-the-future

Dr. Vinathe Sharma-Brymer
Dr. Heather Boetto
Dr. Eric Brymer
Dr. Shannon Brincat
Guest Editors

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• human–nature relationships
• environmental change
• climate change and justice
• sustainability
• health and well-being
• socioeconomic systems
• ecosocial justice