What is love and what do we mean by biophilia? Finnish philosopher Elisa Aaltola explores different philosophical and psychological definitions of love, applying them to our times. 

Love is a strongly political emotion, all the more necessary in a world ravaged by the climate crisis, animal suffering, and the extinction of the species. Different philosophers proposed love as a moral psychological force that motivates us to appreciate the existence of the other and care for them. This perspective proves evident also in the realm of non-human animals and nature, and grants them moral status. A love of nature and animals, otherwise known as biophilia, can therefore make the difference at a time of environmental degradation, and may help us realize why the non-human world urgently requires protection.