What is "normal" or even "natural" in nature? In a world where everything is constantly changing, the human desire to define things as "normal" has broad implications on how we see the world, and how we choose to conserve it (or not conserve it!).

This desire to establish a personal "normal" leads to a quirk of psychology called Shifting Baseline Syndrome.

Learn about the dramatic impacts that it has in this Jumpstart Nature episode.

Join your guide, Griff Griffith, as he explores what shifting baseline syndrome is through some incredible examples. With the help of Dr. Loren McClenachan, Dr. Alison Whipple (San Francisco Estuary Institute), Ben Goldfarb (author and environmental journalist), and Francisco Saavedra Jr (forestry student and member of the Pit River Tribe Madesi band), we look at the many ways that shifting baselines steer us in the wrong direction.

See the full show notes and images on jumpstartnature.com.

Beyond a podcast, Jumpstart Nature is a movement fueled by volunteers, igniting a fresh approach to reconnecting people with the natural world. In the face of our pressing climate and biodiversity challenges, we're on a mission to help you discover newfound purpose and motivation.

Join us in this vital journey towards nature's revival. Explore more and show your support at jumpstartnature.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

For even deeper nature insights, delve into our companion podcast, Nature's Archive.

Sign up for our short, bi-weekly (and solutionary!) newsletter called It's All Connected! Get recommendations for books, podcasts, articles, and more, as well as analysis and recommendations of things YOU can do to help nature.

Links to Topics Discussed
Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, by Ben Goldfarb
Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers, and Why They Matter, by Ben Goldfarb
Everyone’s Guide to Helping our Planet, Jumpstart Nature's list of easy things you can do...TODAY.
Loren McClenachan on Nature's Archive Podcast
Redwoods Rising
The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean, by Susan Casey

Links to Additional Resources
Anecdotes and the Shifting Baseline Syndrome of Fisheries (Daniel Pauly)
Daniel Pauly’s TED Talk
Documenting Loss of Large Trophy Fish from the Florida Keys with Historic

The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Lofi Prairie  by Brian Holtz Music
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9247-lofi-prairie

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