As deforestation, the degradation of ocean health, and biodiversity loss continue across the globe, new research shows Americans care deeply about the areas impacted and believe it’s our responsibility to take care of these spaces.

Conservation organization WWF has just released its 2025 Connected by Nature report, which surveyed a nationally representative group of 2,000 Americans in July to see how they felt about a variety of nature topics. The findings, which can be found here, reflect both a connection to nature and a concern for its wellbeing.

Concern for Nature

The survey found that more than 84% of Americans say they like or love nature, with 73% believing it’s a defining part of American identity and the same number saying caring for nature is a civic duty. In fact, roughly two in three respondents said addressing threats to nature is as important as social and economic issues. A slightly higher percentage said protecting nature is important to reduce climate change, prevent natural disasters, and protect our food and water supply.

When it came to the biggest threats, respondents believed that the most concerning are water pollution, climate change, air pollution, deforestation, loss of natural habitats, and human activities.

However, there was a disconnect found in where people believed nature was most at risk. Respondents believed nature was most threatened at the national and global levels – with 67% and 58% of respondents feeling this way, respectively - than in their local and state environments.

Why We Feel Connected to Nature

The survey also highlights why people believe nature is so important, with 72% believing time in nature is important for people and their own health. The biggest benefits were seen as clean air, water, and natural resources; a mental and physical health boost; opportunities for recreation and relaxation; and providing a place to spend time with the loved ones. Forests were particularly popular, with 58% saying they’re one of the most important natural areas. The second most popular option, at 54%, was rivers and streams.

WWF Chief Operating Officer Loren Mayor says, "Americans recognize that nature is at the very core of who we are and provides immense benefits to virtually every aspect of our lives: our health, our communities, and our sense of joy.”

Meanwhile, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Terry Macko adds, "The report tells us loud and clear that nature is an intrinsic American value. Nature is not a passive force that surrounds us—it sustains us. When we take care of nature, we are protecting the things we value most—healthy water, nourishing food, clean air, and even our shared cultural identity.”

If you’d like to enhance the benefits of natural places, learn more about helping us plant trees in forests!