Livable Cities - London AMPS | City, University of London Page 292 (3) Life Experience: The formative experiences of childhood, as well as past encounters and ongoing opportunities for direct interaction with nature, are crucial in establishing the profound influence that the natural world can have on an individual's development. These experiences, often rooted in childhood, lay the foundation for a lifelong relationship with nature, which continues to influence their environmental attitudes and behaviors as they mature. This ongoing process of engagement with nature supports the Biophilia Hypothesis, which suggests that our early interactions with the natural world are instrumental in shaping our environmental consciousness. (4) Facing Challenges: The way individuals respond to environmental issues, the concern that arises after witnessing environmental harm, and the drive to effect positive change all reflect the deep and inseparable connection that humans have with nature. This connection is a central tenet of the Biophilia Hypothesis, which posits that humans are inherently linked to the natural world and are compelled to act in its defense. The hypothesis further suggests that this innate connection is what motivates people to confront and address environmental challenges. (5) Positive Actions: The Biophilia Hypothesis is evident in the way nature influences behavioral cognition and the development of adolescents, as seen in the positive environmental actions that individuals take. This influence shapes their proactive attitudes towards environmental issues, encouraging them to engage in behaviors that support and protect the natural world. The hypothesis suggests that our innate affinity for nature is a powerful force that can drive individuals to act in ways that are beneficial to the environment, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the planet's well-being. CONCLUSION This study, encompassing in-depth interviews with a cohort of six environmental educators, delved into the pivotal drivers that inspire and propel individuals toward careers in environmental education. Concurrently, it validating the significance of the Biophilia Hypothesis in the human-nature relationship. Through a meticulous analysis and synthesis of 253 coded narratives, the study extrapolated five seminal determinants of human-nature interaction that demand scholarly attention: personal development, collaboration, life experiences, facing challenges, and positive actions. In the realm of personal development, establishing a sense of long-term goals alongside the dissemination of immediate, learnable environmental knowledge can foster public awareness and instill environmental values. Regarding collaboration, it is essential to actively promote community and school activities with strong operability to enhance public engagement and achieve shared environmental goals. Life experiences can be enriched by incorporating immersive field studies and outdoor education programs into the curriculum, thereby linking individuals' actions to environmental outcomes. Facing challenges should involve challenge-based learning that addresses current environmental issues, promoting resilience and problem-solving skills to confront the complexities of the environment. Lastly, positive actions can be encouraged by emphasizing success stories and providing opportunities for individuals to practice and internalize eco-friendly behaviors in their daily lives.These integrated approaches aim to cultivate a society that is not only knowledgeable but also emotionally invested and actively engaged in environmental conservation. The biophilic drivers, uncovered through these interviews with environmental educators, act as the subterranean motivations prompting human interaction with the natural world. They are found to be in concordance with the axioms underpinning the 15 patterns of biophilic design, thereby corroborating their efficacy. This design paradigm acknowledges the profound human aspiration for connection with nature and demonstrates the potential to integrate natural elements into the fabric of urban planning, thereby bridging the chasm between humankind and the natural environment.
