What term refers to the innate human connection and response to nature?

The term that refers to the innate human connection and response to nature is biophilia. This concept was popularized by biologist E.O. Wilson in the 1980s, suggesting that humans possess an inherent affinity for the natural world, stemming from our evolutionary history as part of the ecosystem. Biophilia emphasizes the emotional bond between humans and nature, highlighting how interactions with natural environments can promote well-being, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life. This inherent connection can manifest in various ways, including a love for plants and animals or a desire to engage with natural landscapes.

In contrast, other terms like ecophilia or anthropophilia do not specifically emphasize the innate human connection to nature as directly. Ecophilia may refer more broadly to a love for the environment or ecological systems, while anthropophilia refers to an affinity for humans. Naturalism, on the other hand, is a philosophical viewpoint that emphasizes understanding the natural world without supernatural influences, which does not capture the emotional and innate aspect of the human relationship with nature as effectively as biophilia does.