Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast
Is a river alive?
May 14, 2025
Dr. Robert Macfarlane, a distinguished Professor at Cambridge and acclaimed nature writer, dives into the revolutionary concept of rivers as living entities in this engaging discussion. He shares heartfelt childhood memories tied to rivers and how their legal recognition in places like Ecuador marks a pivotal shift in environmental advocacy. The conversation critiques the impact of global capitalism on ecosystems, emphasizing the vital need for an ecocentric approach to conservation. Macfarlane ultimately advocates for deeper connections between communities and their waterways.
26:09
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Quick takeaways
- The global recognition of rivers as legal entities empowers environmental activism and signifies a transformative shift in human-nature relationships.
- Local grassroots movements in places like Chennai aim to revive polluted rivers by fostering community awareness and promoting sustainable water management practices.
Deep dives
The Recognition of Rivers as Living Beings
In recent years, several countries including New Zealand, India, Ecuador, Canada, and Britain have legally recognized rivers as living entities. This significant shift is largely driven by the Rights of Nature movement, which advocates for the intrinsic rights of natural entities. The concept allows for rivers to have legal standing, meaning they can be represented in court and can have rights, such as the right to flow. This paradigm shift not only acknowledges the ecological importance of rivers but also encourages a reimagining of our relationship with nature and emphasizes the need for systemic legal changes to protect these vital waterways.
