Washington, DC (September 9, 2025) - The 2025 Connected by Nature report released today by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and conducted by GlobeScan reveals that 3 in 4 Americans view nature as an essential part of America's cultural identity, with 64% of respondents believing it defines their region or state.
The report shows that Americans not only identify with nature but deem it essential to their well-being, with most agreeing that nature is critical for a steady food and water supply. Nature also provides people across the country with emotional benefits, with 71% of respondents stating that they associate nature with relaxation and joy and 84% saying they love or like spending time in nature.
"The bounty and wonder of nature is not just astounding, it is the bedrock of our lives-from the dense rainforests of the Amazon, to the peaks of the Himalayas, and the expansive Great Plains across the United States," said Chief Operating Officer Loren Mayor. "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.
The report also revealed that 84% of Americans are concerned about threats to nature-with 6 in 10 Americans being extremely or very concerned. They agree that addressing threats to nature is as important as addressing the wide range of other issues facing the world today. Further, 62% of Americans feel personally responsible for taking care of nature around them.
"The report tells us loud and clear that nature is an intrinsic American value," said Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Terry Macko. "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."
Nature isn't competing with our top priorities; it's what makes them possible. Many of the things that Americans value and identify with - clean air, accessible recreational spaces, good jobs, and safe communities - all flow from healthy ecosystems.
About World Wildlife Fund
WWF is one of the world's leading conservation organizations, working for 60 years in nearly 100 countries to help people and nature thrive. With the support of 1.3 million members in the United States and more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment, and combat the climate crisis. Visit worldwildlife.org to learn more; follow @WWFNews on X, formerly known as Twitter, to keep up with the latest conservation news; and sign up for our newsletter and news alerts here. Nature gives us so much, it's time to give back. To learn more about Nature Needs Us Now visit wwf.org/now.
