With the rapid disappearance of forests it is very likely that soon there will not be any natural spaces left for people to enjoy. The disappearance of forests can affect humans both physically and psychologically.

Physical effects:

Since there are no trees to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, the quality of air around that area will be degraded. Without forests, the land will be exposed to wind and rain, which can easily wash away topsoil that has accumulated over a long period of time. Without roots to hold the soil together, the wind and rain on bare soil can cause landslides that can be devastating to people living in that area.

Psychological effects:

It has been found that interaction with nature can help to build up the Ecological Self. After interactions with nature, people find that they have greater autonomy to do things as well as have a feeling of transcendence. They also feel more self confident and competent after using their own physical ability to overcome nature. Some people find these benefits so important that they would pay to travel and interact with nature. Without nature, these benefits can be lost.

Nature affects not just adults but children as well. Exposure to nature can give them high sensory input as unlike playgrounds forests have unlimited places to explore and discover. It also helps children to foster a sense of direction as they navigate through spaces. Problem solving can be improved in children when they encounter more problems through interaction with nature as the natural environment is more variable than that of a playground. Concentration can be fostered while they interact with nature and it has even been hypothesized that a deficit in nature could cause ADHD and ADD due to a high incidence of these disorders seen in societies where there are less green spaces.