Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

Louv discusses this concept within the context of the “Zoopolis Movement,” which seeks to bridge the divide between human-made and natural habitats. Specifically, this term refers to sustainable urban planning that incorporates natural elements into the living environment. The idea is one of the solutions Louv proposes for mitigating the separation between children and nature.

This term refers to the idea of allowing children to engage in activities that present some level of challenge or danger in a natural setting. Louv advocates for this approach as a way to build resilience and emotional intelligence in children, contrasting it with societal norms of overprotectiveness.

Louv uses the term “eighth intelligence” or “naturalist intelligence” to emphasize the cognitive and social benefits that come from a closer relationship with nature. This concept extends the understanding of intelligence beyond traditional academic metrics, implicitly arguing for the essential role of nature in child development and overall well-being.