Podcast: Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer on Learning from the World as the Clock Ticks | Science

For a while, there has been a distinction made between western science and Indigenous knowledge as separate ways of understanding the world. However, with the escalating environmental crises that are affecting our planet, there is a growing recognition that both perspectives are valuable and necessary. This realization has fueled the work of botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer, known for her book Braiding Sweetgrass. She emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between these two ways of knowing in order to address the challenges our planet faces.

In a conversation with Madeleine Finlay, Kimmerer discusses the wisdom we can gain from the oldest plants on Earth and the significance of developing gratitude for the natural world. She believes that by incorporating Indigenous knowledge into western scientific practices, we can create a more holistic and impactful approach to environmental preservation. Kimmerer’s work highlights the importance of acknowledging and respecting different ways of understanding nature to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.

Overall, Kimmerer’s career and research encourage us to reconsider our relationship with the Earth and to value the wisdom that Indigenous knowledge can offer. By combining western science with Indigenous perspectives, we can enrich our understanding of the natural world and work towards a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence with the planet.