29 August, 2025

The UN has created a new global index, the Nature Relationship Index (NRI), which measures how well countries are nurturing positive, respectful, and sustainable relationships with nature.

Unlike past approaches that mainly focus on limits, targets, and damage control, the NRI shifts the conversation towards aspiration and responsibility, encouraging nations to actively build positive relationships with nature.

The index measures how countries protect natural spaces, use resources responsibly and invest in conservation, looking not just at what we take from nature, but what we give back. What’s refreshing about this approach is that it moves beyond framing humans as just destroyers of the planet, instead highlighting our potential to make a positive difference. 

The economic case for this shift is clear. The UK, for example, could see its GDP shrink by 4.7% within the decade due to chronic climate and nature risks, a loss far greater than gains from many growth initiatives, according to a recently released report from the Green Finance Institute and WWF. This underlines why an index like the NRI matters: measuring and comparing how countries engage with nature strengthens incentives not just for environmental stewardship but also for protecting long-term prosperity. 

By Emma Alajarin