The concept of connectedness to nature, as developed by Mayer and Frantz (2004), refers to the individual's cognitive and emotional sense of being part of the natural world, representing a foundational aspect of ecological identity and a predictor of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours; the authors propose the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) as a reliable psychometric tool designed to assess the degree to which individuals include nature as part of their self-concept, offering a distinct but complementary measure to environmental concern or biospheric values; empirical studies using the CNS reveal that individuals with higher connectedness scores are more likely to engage in sustainable behaviours, experience greater life satisfaction, and express empathy toward non-human life, suggesting that fostering this sense of connectedness may serve as a powerful motivational basis for environmental stewardship; the scale itself emphasizes affective responses to nature—such as awe, peace, and belonging—rather than purely cognitive or utilitarian views, thereby aligning with eco-psychological theories that regard the human-nature relationship as emotionally rooted and existentially significant; Mayer and Frantz argue that modern lifestyles often alienate individuals from natural systems, weakening this bond and diminishing concern for ecological integrity, hence environmental education and urban planning should aim to reintegrate nature into daily life—through green infrastructure, experiential learning, and community engagement—as a strategy to strengthen environmental identities and promote sustainable living.
