Catalysing transformational change through compound nature connectedness interventions

Political, economic and technological interventions are struggling to address the polycrisis at the necessary scale and pace. Increasing nature connectedness can make a critical contribution: there is abundant evidence that higher levels of nature connectedness are not only good for health and happiness, but also correlate with a greater commitment to pro-environmental behaviours. The early progress in the scientific study of nature connectedness is impressive, but there are many types of interventions promoting nature connectedness, and evidence is fragmented across academic disciplines and siloed communities of practice. Here, we review a wide range of interventions and their effectiveness relative to each other. We appraise how interventions can be combined synergistically with the potential to catalyse shifts to pro-environmental mindsets through a concept of compounding effects. We conclude by discussing how our insights may inform the development of more holistic training and development approaches, as a critical element of sustainability transformations.