Chapters - The Nature Record
Assessment
Explore the Draft Assessment
A chapter-by-chapter journey through the state of nature in America.
Chapter 1
Overview
View key findings across all chapters, synthesizing our relationship to nature and pathways for action.
Chapter 2
Equity and Environmental Justice: Setting the Context
An essay on equity and environmental justice in the U.S.
Chapter 3
Frameworks and Approaches to Assessing Nature
The principles and frameworks guiding how we assess nature’s role in people’s lives.
Chapter 4
Bright Spots in Nature
Success stories of people and ecosystems thriving together offer lessons to replicate and scale.
Chapter 5
Connection with Nature
How people experience, value, and sustain their connections to nature across the U.S.
Chapter 6
Marine Ecosystems in the U.S.
Status, trends, and future of the nation’s marine species, habitats, and communities.
Chapter 7
Inland Water Ecosystems of the U.S.
The health, trends, and risks facing lakes, rivers, wetlands, and freshwater ecosystems.
Chapter 8
Terrestrial Ecosystems of the U.S.
How U.S. habitats and species are changing, and what it means for people and landscapes.
Chapter 9
Drivers of Change
The major forces reshaping nature and what integrated responses are needed.
Chapter 10
Nature and Climate Change
How climate change is transforming ecosystems and how nature can help reduce risks.
Chapter 11
Culture and Relationships with Nature
The cultural, spiritual, and social values of nature, and inequities in access and recognition.
Chapter 12
Nature and the Economy
How nature underpins the U.S. economy and why its value must be better accounted for.
Chapter 13
Health and Well-Being
How access to healthy ecosystems supports physical, mental, and community health.
Chapter 14
Risk, Resilience, and Safety
How nature reduces risks and supports national security and resilience in the face of disasters.
Chapter 15
Place-Based Opportunities for Nature
Practical steps to create a future where people and nature thrive together.