Thomas Beery

Thomas Beery is a Professor of Environmental Didactics at Kristianstad University's Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Environmental Science. His work focuses on environmental social science with emphasis on connectedness to nature, outdoor recreation, and sustainability education.

• PhD in Teaching and Learning, University of Minnesota Duluth (2011)
• Master of Environmental Education, University of Minnesota Duluth (1993)
• Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1986)

Research interests include:

• Connectedness to nature (theoretical/conceptual frameworks, measurement tools)
• Outdoor recreation and friluftsliv (Swedish outdoor culture)
• Climate adaptation and sustainability education
• Early childhood environmental education
• Human-nature relationships and ecosystem services
• SDGs curriculum integration in higher education

Recent publications analyze:

• Multi-dimensional approaches to nature connection measurement
• Post-pandemic outdoor recreation adaptations
• Relational values of childhood nature experiences
• Climate action drivers in Northern communities

Scientific awards include the Institute on the Environment Education Fellowship (2018-2020) at University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Current projects investigate:

• NiF: Nature Experiences in Fritidshem (2022-2026)
• Nordic Nature Kindergarten Network (2022-2024)
• Outdoor recreation and rural development post-COVID (2022-2025)