Bird species diversity in Europe impacts life satisfaction as much as income
A European study reveals that the diversity of bird species in one's surroundings enhances life satisfaction equally to income increases. Nature conservation is thus an investment in human well-being.
A study published in the journal Ecological Economics indicates that biological diversity in Europe's vicinity is as crucial for life satisfaction as personal income. Researchers found that a ten percent increase in the number of bird species nearby improves Europeans' life satisfaction at least as much as a comparable rise in income.
The research analyzed data from over 26,000 adults across 26 European countries, utilizing the "2012 European Quality of Life Survey." Species diversity was measured by the variety of avian species, based on the European breeding bird atlas. The scientists highlight birds as suitable indicators of biological diversity due to their visibility, especially in urban settings.
Findings suggest that Europeans report higher life satisfaction when their immediate environment supports a rich array of species. This effect is particularly pronounced for individuals who regularly observe diverse bird species or reside in natural, varied landscapes with ample green spaces and water bodies.
Scientists compared the impact of bird species count on life satisfaction to household income. They determined that fourteen additional bird species in the vicinity can elevate life satisfaction to the same extent as a monthly income increase of 124 euros (based on an average monthly income of 1,237 euros). This finding underscores nature's significance for human well-being beyond its material services.
The study also warns of a dramatic global decline in biological diversity. Researchers suggest that nature's impoverishment risks negatively affecting human well-being. Consequently, nature conservation should be viewed as an investment in collective well-being, not solely as a means to secure material life.