An Academic Call-to-Arms: Erich Fromm's Biophilia and a Practical Solution to the Problem of the Great Transition for the Island of Kalymnos.

Broadly speaking, this article is written for the express intent of beginning a solutions-oriented discussion among academics, inviting all to participate in presenting practical/hands--on suggestions with respect to implementing changes to help combat the impacts of climate change. More specifically, the article uses Erich Fromm--s concept of biophilia--existential health that promotes human flourishing as opposed to decay--as a template to assist in navigating local problems. It is suggested in the article that any practical solution brought forth must include (and involve) a means of shifting culture and mindset along with it. To fail in adequately involving (and evolving) the mindset of a given population to suit the times is to give way to either an exercise in futility, on the one hand, or, to invite change through force and violence on the other. Therefore, the suggestions for actionable adaptation given in the article are written for the local island of Kalymnos, Greece. The overarching hope is that practical solutions, pertaining to other local communities, will become a more mainstream mode of intellectual exchange while simultaneously aiding the cause for planetary survival and the flourishing of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]