Richard Louv doesn't pull any punches when he describes the growing distance between today's average American childhood and the direct experience of nature. Screen time takes up increasing amounts of our children's time, often to their detriment. Whether in terms of academic achievement or physiological and emotional health, studies show that the direct open-ended experience of nature confers innumerable benefits to human beings of all ages. Unfortunately, our children are growing up in a world of increasingly limited access to the experiences that many in previous generations take for granted. Lawsuits make tree-forts a relic of the past, while the fear of abduction and injury keeps many kids on a short leash.
Luckily, there are forces at work that are planning for a brighter future. Louv explores the success that some European countries have had with greening their urban spaces. Cities across America are working hard to preserve their open spaces, and to create more livable communities. Sustainability has evolved from a buzzword to a metric of public planning. Meanwhile, educators are discovering the real benefits of natural experience, and these ideas are being increasingly incorporated into schools and communities. He describes programs that connect farmers and hatcheries with schools, giving students opportunities for hands-on experience that can prove life changing. He paints a picture of the future in which our kids (and their kids) actually figure out how to divide resources, land, and responsibility in ways that are truly sustainable and foster health, connection, and community. We have the resources, technologies, and responsibility to make this a universal priority for all of us right now. It may be what saves us all.
Luckily, there are forces at work that are planning for a brighter future. Louv explores the success that some European countries have had with greening their urban spaces. Cities across America are working hard to preserve their open spaces, and to create more livable communities. Sustainability has evolved from a buzzword to a metric of public planning. Meanwhile, educators are discovering the real benefits of natural experience, and these ideas are being increasingly incorporated into schools and communities. He describes programs that connect farmers and hatcheries with schools, giving students opportunities for hands-on experience that can prove life changing. He paints a picture of the future in which our kids (and their kids) actually figure out how to divide resources, land, and responsibility in ways that are truly sustainable and foster health, connection, and community. We have the resources, technologies, and responsibility to make this a universal priority for all of us right now. It may be what saves us all.
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