As climate crises escalate, understanding how people relate to their environment has never been more critical. Dr Leanne Martin reports from The International Conference on Environmental Psychology (ICEP) 2025, a showcase for the latest research and ideas shaping this vital field.

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This year’s ICEP was held in the vibrant city of Vilnius, Lithuania. This global gathering brought together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how humans interact with their environments amid pressing global challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, and wellbeing.

A personal highlight of the conference was the opportunity to present my research on whether contact with nature can buffer the adverse effects of stress on sleep. With increasing urban stress and sleep difficulties affecting many, this research contributes to a growing understanding of how nature exposure can support mental health and wellbeing. Sharing my findings led to engaging discussions and valuable feedback, deepening insights into nature-based interventions.

ICEP 2025 covered a broad range of themes that reflect the complexity of environmental psychology today. Key topics included the climate emergency and global issues such as ecological behaviour, resource conservation, and the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Social dimensions were prominent too, with sessions focusing on citizen participation, place identity, environmental education, and the social ecology of people-environment relationships.

Energy, carbon emissions, and human behaviour were also extensively discussed, with attention to sustainable energy transitions, life cycle assessment, and urban mobility. The conference emphasised the role of architecture, design, and urban planning in creating environments that support human behaviour and wellbeing, especially in the context of urban regeneration and inclusive design.

I attended the conference with many colleagues from the Centre, including Dr Lewis Elliott, Dr Jo Garrett, Emma Squires, and Qingyue Xue. The event was an excellent opportunity not only to reconnect with longstanding collaborators but also to build new connections across a diverse international community. These interactions are vital for fostering interdisciplinary partnerships and advancing future research projects.

One of the most compelling aspects was the focus on restorative environments and nature-based solutions, highlighting their critical role in human health. The conference reinforced how integrating ecological design with health sciences can address environmental risks and promote wellbeing in urban and peri-urban areas.

With its blend of rich history and accessible green spaces, Vilnius provided an inspiring backdrop for these conversations. The city demonstrated the real-world connections between environment, place, and wellbeing that lie at the heart of environmental psychology.

Overall, ICEP 2025 was a stimulating and rewarding experience, showcasing the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to tackling environmental challenges. It reaffirmed that understanding and improving our relationship with the environment is essential for promoting both human health and a sustainable future.