The role of technology in human-nature connectedness: Case studies on citizen participation

Derk Jan Stobbelaar; Jetske G. de Boer

doi:10.3920/9789004730779_008

The role of technology in human-nature connectedness: Case studies on citizen participation

Derk Jan Stobbelaar^*
, Jetske G. de Boer

^*Corresponding author for this work

NIOO - Terrestrial Ecology (TE)

Research output: Chapter in book/volume › Chapter › Scientific › peer-review

Abstract

In this chapter we describe how technology has alienated us from nature. The current social-technical-ecological system (STES) tends to drive us towards techniques where connection with nature is more difficult. However, techniques can also play a role in restoring human-nature connectedness in (at least) two ways: (1) directly by restoring interest in nature through e.g. new materials, experiences, emotions and/or knowledge (case study 1 and 2); and (2) indirectly by organizing people around an environmental topic (case study 3). Citizen participation may help to counter this alienation and to accelerate the transition to sustainability. Finally, we reflect on the potential for designing technology that contributes to restoring human connectedness to nature or to the reinvention of our relationship with nature.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Moral Design and Green Technology
Editors	Bart Wernaar, Gerard Schouten
Publisher	Brill
Pages	97-119
Number of pages	23
ISBN (Electronic)	9789004730779
ISBN (Print)	9789004711679
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3920/9789004730779_008
Publication status	Published - 29 May 2025

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abstract = "In this chapter we describe how technology has alienated us from nature. The current social-technical-ecological system (STES) tends to drive us towards techniques where connection with nature is more difficult. However, techniques can also play a role in restoring human-nature connectedness in (at least) two ways: (1) directly by restoring interest in nature through e.g. new materials, experiences, emotions and/or knowledge (case study 1 and 2); and (2) indirectly by organizing people around an environmental topic (case study 3). Citizen participation may help to counter this alienation and to accelerate the transition to sustainability. Finally, we reflect on the potential for designing technology that contributes to restoring human connectedness to nature or to the reinvention of our relationship with nature.",

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ER -

The role of technology in human-nature connectedness: Case studies on citizen participation

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