Biophobia is on the Rise—According to a Review of 196 Studies

[Glenn MacGrady]

"Scientists have a name for the creeping dislike or even fear many people feel toward nature: biophobia. A new review of 196 studies reveals that this aversion to the natural world may be growing, with researchers warning of potential threats to both human well-being and environmental protection efforts.

"Between 4% and 9% of people worldwide suffer from animal phobias, experiencing anxiety, nausea, and stress when encountering wildlife. But the problem goes beyond clinical phobias. Many people simply feel uncomfortable in natural settings, leading them to avoid parks, hiking trails, and outdoor spaces altogether."

Biophobia On The Rise? Why Growing Fear of Nature Could Harm Public Health and Conservation

A review of studies reveals nature phobias affect up to 9% of people globally. Broader nature aversion threatens conservation and health.

studyfinds.org

Here is the meta-analysis itself:

https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.70019

 

[Mason]

If only homophobia didn't have different connotations......

 

[Crawforde]

Biophilia works for me.

 

[ppine]

Good luck to them. People are increasingly focused on indoor pursuits and electronic media.
The Outdoors are my mental health plan, spiritual renewal source, way to exercise, scientific interest and where I am most comfortable.

Nature is God. I have learned to find Divinity is the rocks, the mountains, the rivers, the mule deer, the ppine trees, the salmon. the elk, and the buffalo.