How Biophilia Makes Our Democracy Stronger with David Orr

Biophilic Solutions: Nature Has the Answers

This week, we’re diving deep into the intersection of democracy and the environmental movement, why it’s imperative that all lawmakers agree to the rules of the game, and how biophilia might act as a bridge to the equitable, green future we want. We also weigh the merits of a circular economy and discuss what it means to be responsible citizens and stewards for future generations.

Our guest is renowned scholar of environmental and political studies at Oberlin College David Orr, author of eight books, including Dangerous Years: Climate Change, the Long Emergency, and the Way Forward (2016) and co-editor of three others including Democracy Unchained: How To Rebuild Government For The People (2019). While at Oberlin, Dr. Orr led the effort to design and build the Adam Joseph Lewis Center, one of the first truly biophilic buildings in the United States. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Lyndhurst Prize, a National Achievement Award from the National Wildlife Federation, and a Visionary Leadership Award from Second Nature.

Show Notes

• About David Orr
• The Oberlin Project
• The Adam Joseph Lewis Center
• Democracy Unchained: How To Rebuild Government For The People, edited by David W. Orr, Andrew Gumbel, Bakari Kitwana, and William S. Becker
• Dangerous Years: Climate Change, the Long Emergency, and the Way Forward by David Orr
• Democracy in a Hotter Time, presentation at Elon University (YouTube)
• Design with Nature by Ian L. McHarg
• The Biophilia Hypothesis, edited by E.O. Wilson and Stephen R. Kellert
• Dr. David Orr and Dr. Miranda Yaver on the Stand Up! With Pete Dominick Podcast
• Children & Nature Network
• Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
• Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist by Kate Raworth

Keywords: Biophilia, Climate Change, Climate, Environment, Policy, Politics, Environmental Policy, Biophilic Design, Nature, Wellness, Democracy, Economics, Circular Economy