The Biophilic Profile Tool as a Guide for Climate Change Conversations

Participation in recreational activities in parks and protected areas can inspire both climate change awareness and advocacy by encouraging healthy engagement with nature. However, programming must align with the various ways we relate to nature to be effective. One strategy of alignment is to employ the Biophilic Profile tool, an education survey adapted from the Kellert-Shorb Biophilic Values Indicator (KSBVI). Emerging from the Biophilia Hypothesis, the KSBVI has been utilized by the authors to screen participants before programs to develop curricula that better cater toward participants’ preferred values. The activity guide we present here has multiple activities that can be facilitated in the field for a range of participants. Through the implementation of the Biophilic Profile tool, the authors have found a heightened awareness of nature-connectedness in participants and have been able to guide deeper conversations surrounding climate consciousness by effectively matching relevant activities that strengthen these relationships with nature.