Person finding solace in a misty, post-industrial landscape.

Finding Solace in Nature: How Environmentalism Heals Us

Jordan Keane in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how regional environmentalism, as depicted in literature, offers comfort and understanding in a rapidly changing world."

In an age defined by rapid change and environmental uncertainty, the quest for solace has become increasingly vital. Where do we turn when the familiar world around us seems to be slipping away? For many, the answer lies in nature – in the quiet strength of regional landscapes and the environmental consciousness they inspire.

The concept of finding solace in nature isn't new, but its exploration in contemporary literature offers fresh perspectives. Authors like John Burnside delve into the intricate relationship between individuals and their environments, revealing how regional environmentalism can provide comfort, understanding, and a renewed sense of belonging. Burnside's work encourages us to consider how the very act of describing and engaging with nature can be a source of healing.

This article explores the themes of environmentalism and solace as depicted in Burnside’s literary works, examining how the human connection to regional landscapes can foster emotional and intellectual well-being. We'll uncover the ways in which literature reflects and shapes our understanding of nature's consoling power, offering insights into how we can all find solace in the world around us.

Why Does Regional Environmentalism Matter for Mental Health?

Person finding solace in a misty, post-industrial landscape.

Regional environmentalism emphasizes the importance of local ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Unlike broad, abstract notions of environmentalism, focusing on specific regions creates a tangible connection, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship. This localized approach allows individuals to witness the direct impact of their actions and to actively participate in conservation efforts.

Studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves overall mood. But the benefits extend beyond simple exposure. Engaging with regional landscapes – whether through hiking, gardening, or simply observing the changing seasons – deepens our appreciation for the natural world. This, in turn, cultivates a sense of place and belonging, combating feelings of alienation and rootlessness.

Increased Awareness: Regional environmentalism encourages people to become more aware of the specific environmental challenges facing their communities.
Direct Action: It provides opportunities for direct involvement in conservation and restoration projects.
Community Building: It fosters a sense of community among individuals who share a common interest in protecting their local environment.
Personal Connection: It strengthens the personal connection to nature, leading to a greater sense of responsibility and care.

John Burnside's novels, such as 'Glister' and 'A Summer of Drowning,' beautifully illustrate this connection. His characters find solace not in pristine wilderness, but in the overlooked corners of their regional landscapes – in post-industrial wastelands and forbidding coastlines. These settings, often scarred by human activity, become sources of awe and unexpected beauty, revealing the resilience of nature and the human spirit.

Embracing Environmentalism for a Healthier Mind and Planet

Finding solace in nature is not merely a romantic notion; it’s a practical pathway to improved mental and emotional well-being. By engaging with regional environmentalism, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of our place in the world, foster a sense of responsibility, and discover unexpected sources of comfort and inspiration. Whether through literature, outdoor activities, or community involvement, embracing the natural world around us can lead to a healthier mind and a more sustainable planet.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1353/mfs.2012.0048, Alternate LINK

Title: John Burnside’S Ecologies Of Solace: Regional Environmentalism And The Consolations Of Description

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: MFS Modern Fiction Studies

Publisher: Project Muse

Authors: David James

Published: 2012-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does regional environmentalism contribute to mental and emotional well-being?

Regional environmentalism fosters a direct connection with local ecosystems, leading to a greater sense of responsibility and stewardship. This localized approach encourages individuals to witness the immediate impact of their actions and actively participate in conservation efforts. Studies have demonstrated that spending time in nature reduces stress and improves mood. Moreover, engaging with regional landscapes strengthens the personal connection to nature, combating feelings of alienation and rootlessness. This localized focus increases awareness of specific environmental challenges within communities and encourages direct action through conservation and restoration projects, which builds a sense of community among people with a shared interest in protecting their environment.

What role does literature, specifically the works of John Burnside, play in understanding the connection between environmentalism and solace?

Literature, particularly the works of John Burnside, offers fresh perspectives on the relationship between individuals and their environments. Burnside's works, such as "Glister" and "A Summer of Drowning," showcase how characters find solace in regional landscapes, including post-industrial wastelands and coastlines. These often-overlooked locations, which are often scarred by human activity, become sources of awe and unexpected beauty, revealing the resilience of nature and the human spirit. Burnside's approach encourages readers to contemplate the intricate relationship between human beings and their surroundings, illustrating how regional environmentalism can be a source of comfort, understanding, and a renewed sense of belonging.

What are the key benefits of engaging with regional landscapes?

Engaging with regional landscapes offers several key benefits, including increased awareness of local environmental challenges, opportunities for direct involvement in conservation projects, community building, and a strengthened personal connection to nature. Through activities like hiking and gardening, individuals deepen their appreciation for the natural world, which, in turn, cultivates a sense of place and belonging. This localized focus can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a deeper understanding of the human place in the world. It counters feelings of alienation, offers direct ways to contribute to environmental health, and fosters shared experiences among community members.

How does regional environmentalism differ from broader environmentalism, and why does this difference matter?

Regional environmentalism focuses on local ecosystems and the communities that rely on them, unlike broad, abstract environmentalism. This localized approach creates a tangible connection, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship. It allows individuals to see the direct impacts of their actions and actively participate in conservation. This is important because it promotes increased awareness of specific environmental challenges within communities and provides opportunities for direct involvement. It strengthens the personal connection to nature, leading to a greater sense of responsibility and care, and it also fosters a sense of community.

Can you provide specific examples from John Burnside's work that illustrate the themes of solace and environmentalism?

John Burnside's novels, such as "Glister" and "A Summer of Drowning," are filled with examples that showcase the intersection of solace and environmentalism. His characters often find comfort in the overlooked and sometimes harsh regional landscapes, such as post-industrial areas and forbidding coastlines. These settings, which might seem desolate at first glance, reveal unexpected beauty and the resilience of nature. The works explore how describing and engaging with these environments can be a source of healing and a renewed sense of belonging, showing how even landscapes marked by human activity can offer solace and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.