New Books in South Asian Studies Is a River Alive?: A Conversation with Robert Macfarlane
Dec 1, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Robert Macfarlane, a celebrated nature writer and scholar, dives deep into the living essence of rivers. He introduces us to the concept of shifting baseline syndrome and shares his captivating journeys from the cloud-forests of Ecuador to the polluted rivers of Chennai. Macfarlane highlights the Selva Viviente movement, the fight for nature’s rights in Ecuador, and profiles a local activist in Chennai. He also explores the philosophical question of whether a river can possess intention, blending rich storytelling with urgent environmental concerns.
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Shifting Baselines Hide Ecological Loss
- Shifting baseline syndrome makes ecological loss feel normal across generations.
- Macfarlane shows small changes like fewer splats on windscreens hide large declines in biodiversity.
Saving Los Cedros In Person
- Robert Macfarlane traveled to Los Cedros cloud forest to witness a constitutional rights-of-nature case in action.
- He walked judges through the forest moments after a landmark ruling that compelled miners and the army to leave within ten days.
Chalk Streams Are Globally Rare
- Chalk streams are globally rare and ecologically unique, with most located in England.
- Macfarlane calls them 'our cloud forests' and highlights their fragility under human pressures.
