Birthright: Children and Nature in the Modern World

Human health and well-being are inextricably linked to nature; our connection to the natural world is part of our biological inheritance. Dr. Stephen Kellert, a pioneer in the field of biophilia—the study of human beings' inherent affinity for nature—will discuss nature's powerful influence on the quality of our lives including our capacities to think, feel, communicate, create, and find meaning in life. He will talk about how we can restore this balance to nature by means of changes in how we raise children, educate ourselves, use land and resources, develop building and community design, practice our ethics, and conduct our everyday lives.

Dr. Stephen R. Kellert is the Tweedy Ordway Professor Emeritus of Social Ecology and Senior Research Scholar at the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. His work focuses on understanding the connection between nature and humanity, with a particular interest in the human need for nature, environmental conservation, and sustainable design and development. He has authored more than 150 publications, received many awards from national and international organizations, and served on committees of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Kellert is also a member of the Board of Directors of Bio-Logical Capital and a founding partner of Environmental Capital Partners, firms that invest in sustainable land use and the environmental sector.