Biophilia revisited: nature versus nurture

Bengt Gunnarsson; Marcus Hedblom

doi:10.1016/j.tree.2023.06.002

Biophilia revisited: nature versus nurture

Trends Ecol Evol. 2023 Sep;38(9):792-794. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.06.002. Epub 2023 Jun 24.

Authors

Bengt Gunnarsson¹, Marcus Hedblom²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, SE 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden; Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, SE 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. Electronic address: bengt.gunnarsson@bioenv.gu.se.
² Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.

PMID: 37365102
DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.06.002

Abstract

The 'Biophilia' hypothesis highlighting humans' innate, positive response to nature is both increasingly accepted and questioned. Studies support an updated Biophilia. The interplay between inheritance and environment, including culture, governs an individual's response, from positive to negative. Variety in urban green spaces is needed to optimise benefits to all residents.

Keywords: mental health; nature and nurture; negative response; positive response; urban planning.